Qatar Airways Group and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have signed a global partnership set to transform the fan experience at Asian football competitions in the coming years.
The partnership will run from 2023 to 2029 in time for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which kicks off on 12 January. The package of rights also includes other key competitions such as the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027TM, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026TM, AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Qatar 2024, AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ 2024, 2026 and 2028, as well as all AFC youth national team competitions during the period.
Qatar Airways’ sponsorship also includes all matches of the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Knockout Stage and three eagerly-anticipated new AFC flagship club competitions which will take place from the 2024/25 season onwards: the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Women’s Champions League and the AFC Champions League 2.
The airline’s leisure division, Qatar Airways Holidays, is launching travel packages for global fans to attend the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™. With return flights, a choice of hotels, and match tickets, these packages are designed to bring passionate fans closer than ever to the action and transform the way that fans across the continent experience Asian football. Privilege Club members can collect Avios and Qpoints on these travel packages, with the option to book online using Cash + Avios.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said, “Qatar Airways is excited to welcome the Asian Football Confederation to our robust sports sponsorship portfolio. This is a monumental occasion that marks our shared commitment to connecting people across borders and promoting competitive sportsmanship.”
He continued: “As the Best Airline in the Middle East, we look forward to welcoming fans from the region on our expansive network to experience Qatar’s unique sports offerings. We will work together with the AFC to help create thrilling moments of football excellence in the upcoming years, kicking off with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ which is due to be held next month in state-of-the-art venues across the country.”
AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, said, “It is with great enthusiasm we welcome Qatar Airways on board as the AFC’s newest partner. This collaboration again underlines the ever-growing appeal of the AFC’s world-class competitions and embodies the AFC and Qatar Airways’ shared commitment to excellence and elevating the sports experience for fans worldwide.
“With Qatar Airways, we look forward to expanding our global footprint. This partnership not only connects fans across borders but also enhances the accessibility of our sports events on a truly international scale with seamless and convenient travel experiences.”
The partnership with the AFC highlights Qatar Airways Group’s commitment to its vision of connecting the world, as it continues to bring people together through the power of sport. The national carrier of the State of Qatar is the Official Airline of FIFA, Formula 1, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), Internazionale Milano, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), CONCACAF, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, kitesurfing, motor racing, squash, and tennis.
Qatar secured a historic victory in the last edition of the AFC Asian Cup tournament in 2019. As the host nation of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which will take place from 12 January to 10 February 2024, Qatar is set to welcome fans from across the continent. During this tournament, Qatar Airways Group’s B12 Beach Club, located in Doha’s vibrant West Bay area, will be the hotspot for international and local fans to watch screenings, experience live music, and an array of events throughout the tournament.
This partnership deal will be managed by Asia Football Group (AFG), the AFC’s commercial agency for 2023-2028.
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