Bayern Munich ends controversial partnership with Qatar Airways

BERLIN - Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich say they have ended a partnership with Qatar Airways deemed controversial by many of their fans, reported German news agency (dpa).

The airline had been one of the club's major sponsors since 2018, but the contract will end "by mutual agreement" on June 30, Bayern said in a statement.

Bayern fans have for years slammed the club's partnership with Qatar, a country widely criticised for its human rights situation and its handling of the LGBTQ+ community, among other things.

In 2021, the club's annual general meeting turned chaotic after a fan tried to introduce a spontaneous motion to put the sponsorship deal to a vote. This was not allowed by the executive committee, which was then sharply criticised by the Bayern member. - BERNAMA