Bayern Munich Controversy: Decision Follows Fan Protests
German Champions Cut Ties With Qatar Airways
Decision Follows Fan Protests
Bayern Munich ended a controversial partnership with Qatar Airways last week after a five-year contract expired. The decision follows intermittent fan protests objecting to alleged human rights abuses in the country. German players also protested Qatar’s LGBT rights record during their opening match at the World Cup. This Bayern Munich controversy has seemingly been put to bed but their transfer dealings this Summer are just beginning.
Bayern Munich’s Qatar Contract
Bayern Munich’s deal with Qatar Airways was reportedly worth $109 million over the last five years. The airline advertised on the sleeve of Bayern’s jersey. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s main shirt sponsor is Deutsche Telekom, who have their logo on the front of the German Bundesliga 11-time defending champions’ jersey. It’ll be a priority for Bayern to find another sleeve sponsor this Summer.
This Bayern Munich controversy started on day one of the partnership with Qatar Airways. Many fans were opposed to an association with Qatar and the government owns the airline. Despite that, Bayern and Qatar both have stated the partnership has ended amicably.
In any case, Qatar have made their mark in sports over the last few years. Most prominently, they successfully hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Many whistleblowers detailed adverse working conditions and supposedly illegal contracts for migrant workers. Other fans have raised concerns about Qatar’s punishment of homosexuality.
Regardless, Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund has invested five percent into Monumental Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Washington Capitals, Mystics and Wizards. The fund also has a majority ownership in Paris Saint-Germain and has a 17 percent stake in Volkswagen, which in turn has a nine percent stake in Bayern Munich. So, the club still has ties to Qatar regardless.
Bayern Munich’s On-Field Success and Transfers
The Bayern Munich standings show that the Bavarians have won 11 straight Bundesliga titles, which is a record. They narrowly won the league over Borussia Dortmund last season but are prepared to retool in the Summer.
The board looks like they’ll back Thomas Tuchel, who took over coaching duties from Julian Nagelsmann in the middle of last season. Konrad Laimer and Raphael Guerreiro are set to make switches from RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.
Bayern are also looking to add a top-class striker and Harry Kane is their priority target. Kane seems to be open to a move but it’s up to whether Tottenham will let him go for anything resembling a reasonable price. This Bayern Munich controversy could end up affecting the club’s transfer budget if they’re not able to secure another shirt sponsor soon.
Still, soccer predictions generally give Bayern Munich the best shot to win the Bundesliga again in 2023-24. The Bavarians sit at -400 odds to win a 12th straight Bundesliga title as their rivals have lost some key players. Plus, Bayern Munich look set to sign center back Kim Min-jae from Napoli over the next couple of weeks. He’s reportedly got a medical scheduled with Bayern sometime in the next few days.
Many of Bayern’s key players are returning for the 2023-24 season. Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Matthijs de Ligt and Alphonso Davies will almost certainly suit up for Bayern this season. It remains to be seen whether Sadio Mane will stay for a second season at Bayern or take a lucrative deal from a Saudi Arabian club. Regardless, Bayern will be a contender for both the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Follow us on Twitter
