Barcelona agree to a record breaking 125 million pound shirt sponsorship
It had to happen sooner or later. The Qatar foundation has reached a 125 million pound, five year deal with FC Barcelona to have its logo displayed on the team shirts. This deal with the foundation means that for the first time in their 111 year history,
Barcelona will be paid to advertise on their jerseys.
The Qatar foundation is a private, non-profit organization created to strengthen education, science and development of the region. The Vice Chairperson of the foundation gave the following statement after the announcement of the deal,
“Qatar Foundation has long invested in unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world. We look forward to working with FC Barcelona to build further awareness around education, science and community development globally.”
FC Barcelona were without a shirt sponsor for more than 105 years. In 2006, they made a deal with UNICEF to promote the children’s charity by displaying its logo on their jerseys. The financial situation at Barcelona has finally forced the club to swallow
its pride and accept a paid sponsorship. The 125 million pound deal has broken the previous record for a shirt sponsorship, held by Manchester united and Liverpool (both deals are for 20 million pounds per year). Barcelona fans are divided. Some are pleased
at the prospect of having an extra 25 million pounds to spend every year. Many others are asking why the club turned its back on one of the main principles that made it special. Barcelona vice-president Javier Faus defended the decision, saying,
“Barcelona needs the money to face up to our €420m (370 million pounds) debt.”
‘But what about the children?’ you ask. Don’t worry. Barcelona is still loyal to UNICEF and their cause. The club says they are looking to combine the logos of the children’s’ charity and their new sponsors. However, if they cannot reach a satisfactory solution,
the logo of the Qatar foundation will be the prevalent one.
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