FC Barcelona to lock a Record Shirt Sponsorship Deal
FC Barcelona will secure the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deal in the history of football. The deal was finalized by Qatar foundation on Friday, worth 125 million Pounds (150 million Euros). Barcelona had previously snubbed
the shirt sponsorship deal for the last five years, giving the rights to UNICEF, to carry their logo. UNICEF is fully aware of the economic needs of the club and willingly admit the change arising for the Spanish champions.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola would be enthusiastic to finalize the deal with Qatar foundation, following the club’s current position. The Catalan giants are facing sizeable debts and are currently not in a position to turn down any
buck coming their way. The deal would support the club with 30 million Euros a year from next season until 2016. Senior club executives expressed their views by saying that the deal was a ‘remarkable landmark because it depicts a record level of revenue for
the club in the current economic climate.’ Three options are under consideration, currently: one logo on shirt (20 million pounds); one on the back (10 million pounds); and the last one on player’s shorts (5 million pounds). The deal would put them ahead of
Liverpool and Manchester United, who have signed an 80 million pounds deal, each, with Standard Chartered and AON respectively, over the last year.
Qatar foundation is a non-profit entity formed in 1995 by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. The organization is responsible for projects focusing on education, community development and scientific research as
well. Qatar’s engagement in FC Barcelona is another indication of their growing dedication to football and follows on from FIFA’s verdict to award the 2022 FIFA World Cup to the emirate.
With the deal coming through smoothly, FC Barcelona’s Vice president Javier Faus said,
“With this deal, Barca have become the undoubted brand leader in world of international football, far ahead of international competitors.”
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