Bayern Munich and Qatar announced on June 28, 2023, that they would not continue their sponsorship agreement, bowing to the pressure from the fans who accused Qatar Airways of its sport washing.
The Deal between Bayern Munich and Qatar was expected to end on June 30, 2023, and any further extension would have infuriated Bayern Munich supporters, who have vocally opposed the team’s relationship with Qatar since 2011.
Alex Salzweger of the Bayern Munich fan group said, “There would have been a continuous protest, and there would have been more anger at the club’s Annual general meeting.“
“It was clear to the club that the fan scene was not going to stop demonstrating.”
Bayern Munich fans had organized workshops highlighting the constant human rights abuses in Qatar. The fans invited migrant workers to speak about their experience with the club.
The fans displayed huge banners during Bundesliga matches, condemning the German giant for taking money from the Qataris.
In the 2021 Annual general meeting, members of the group booed and shouted at the directors for refusing to talk about the sponsorship deal.
In the following meeting that happened in October, Bayern Munich’s Herbert Hainer apologized.
On June 28, 2023, Bayern Munich described the sponsorship deal with Qatar as a deal that is only meant to show the brand on the sleeve of the players.
It was stated that the deal was worth $22 million annually to the club, replacing the previous agreement that it had with Doha Airport.
The club said, “The connections that Bayern Munich has been able to forge with his fans in the Arab world through Qatar Airways will remain.
Former Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Oliver Khan had defended the agreement as a conduit for instigating positive change in Qatar.
The Middle East country was accused by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Fair Square Projects of human rights abuses among migrant workers before the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Bayern Munich Pre-Season 2023/24
On July 26, 2023, Munich will face Manchester City. On July 29, 2023, The Bavarians will meet Kawasaki Frontale, and the last preseason game will be against Liverpool, which will occur on August 2, 2023.