Roger Hampel
In a significant move set to redefine the landscape of Asian football, Qatar Airways Group and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have embarked on a groundbreaking global partnership. This alliance, symbolized by the recent signing ceremony between Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Badr Mohamed al-Meer and AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John, ushers in a new era for football enthusiasts across Asia and beyond.
The Partnership
Spanning from 2023 to 2029, this partnership is timed perfectly with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar, commencing on January 12. The deal encompasses a wide array of competitions including the Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, Women’s Asian Cup 2026, U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, and the Futsal Asian Cup in 2024, 2026, and 2028. Additionally, the AFC youth national team competitions during this period are part of the agreement.
Enhancing the Champions League Experience
Qatar Airways' sponsorship ambitiously extends to all matches of the AFC Champions League 2023/24 Knockout Stage. Moreover, three new AFC flagship club competitions will be introduced from the 2024/25 season: the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Women’s Champions League, and the AFC Champions League 2, promising to elevate the football experience to new heights.
Fan-Centric Initiatives
Qatar Airways Holidays, the airline's leisure division, is set to launch exclusive travel packages for global fans attending the AFC Asian Cup Qatar. These packages include return flights, hotel accommodations, and match tickets, offering fans a holistic and immersive football experience.
Statements from the Leaders
Engineer Badr Mohamed al-Meer expressed his excitement about welcoming the AFC into Qatar Airways' extensive sports sponsorship portfolio. He emphasized the mutual commitment to connecting people and promoting sportsmanship. "As the Best Airline in the Middle East, we are eager to welcome fans to experience Qatar’s unique sports offerings," he said, highlighting the collaborative effort to create unforgettable football moments.
Datuk Seri Windsor John echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for Qatar Airways joining as the AFC's newest partner. He acknowledged the growing appeal of AFC's world-class competitions and the shared dedication to excellence and enhancing the sports experience for fans worldwide.
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