Qatar Airways Named Official Airline of the Maroon

Doha, January 02 (QNA) - Qatar Football Association has on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership with Qatar Airways that will award the carrier sponsorship rights for the national team during the Gulf Cup in Bahrain, the 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, and the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifiers. QFA President HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani signed an agreement to this effect with Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker at a press conference in Doha today. "As official airline, Qatar Airways will work with the national team proudly spreading Team Qatar's brand during matches at home and overseas. The national team is currently engaged in Asian and World Cup qualifiers, aside from the Gulf Cup at the end of the week," a press release said. The deal comes ahead of the 21st Gulf Cup, in which Qatar and another seven national teams from across the Gulf compete for the region's football showpiece event, which takes place in Bahrain from January 5 to 18. Qatar were pitted against Bahrain, Oman and the UAE, whom they face on the tournament's opening day The Maroon are still in the race for World Cup qualifiers and they travel to Seoul to play South Korea on March 26, while the 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers kick off with a home game against Malaysia on February 6. HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani expressed delight at sealing the deal that came as Qatar prepare to compete for their second Gulf Cup title. "This is wonderful news to have Qatar Airways on board as a key long-term sponsor." "I would like to offer my thanks to Qatar Airways for showing vision in backing the sports sector, and football in particular, in our country in a big way," said the QFA president. Qatar Airways chief was equally pleased at the airline's sponsorship deal of the national team, which was unveiled at QFA's headquarters. "This is a moment of pride to link up with our national football team and provide support as the team prepares for key matches and tournaments around the world." "Sport is one of the pillars of Qatar Airways' strategy and football in particular will feature largely in our marketing activities this year and going forward. We are taking great steps to align ourselves with great brands at home and overseas." "More immediately, I wish Team Qatar great success in the Gulf Cup and I am sure travelling fans from our country will enjoy a football spectacle during two weeks of exciting play on the field in Bahrain in the coming days," said Al Baker. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hamad described the agreement as "landmark achievement," hoping for more fruitful cooperation between the two sides in the future. "Today's announcement reflects Qatar Airways commitment to promoting sports. The development of sport in Qatar is an important objective of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and is highlighted by Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We re both determined to play a proactive and responsible role in promoting sports. Football is a very popular in our community and engages people of all ages. We are delighted to partner with Qatar Airways," said the QFA president. The national carrier will promote The Maroon in both home and away games, according to the agreement. (QNA)