Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, right, and Qatar Airways chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, at the signing ceremony

Qatar Airways and the Qatar Football Association have announced a strategic partnership with the carrier being named Official Airline of Qatar’s national soccer team.

The tie-up comes ahead of the Gulf Cup, in which Qatar will join seven other national teams from across the Gulf to compete in the region’s most prestigious football tournament.

The two-week event in the Kingdom of Bahrain kicks off on January 5th.

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.

The agreement between the two local organisations was signed by Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani and Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker at a press conference held at QFA’s headquarters in Doha today.

Al Baker expressed delight at the airline’s sponsorship of the national soccer team.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Qatar has been confirmed as the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.