By Mark Baber
November 3 – FIFA has confirmed that it will be losing Dubai-based airline Emirates as one of its sponsors when its contract runs out at the end of the year, whilst talks with Sony, another top level sponsor, are reportedly ongoing.
FIFA that they had been informed by the airline in June 2012 that it was “restructuring its sponsoring concept,” and that “FIFA respects this.”
FIFA also told German news magazine Der Spiegel that “we are in ongoing talks with Sony” over whether or not their eight year deal would be renewed when it expires on December 31.
German media are reporting that Emirates are ending the co-operation because of FIFA’s tainted image over corruption allegations, citing a May 2011 statement form the airline expressing dismay over the incidents encircling the sport’s leadership.
Emirates became an Official FIFA Worldwide Partner in 2007. Since then the airline has undergone a massive global expansion.
Emirates is also shirt sponsor of Arsenal, Real Madrid, PSG and Hamburger SV, although an extension of the latter is understood to be in the balance.
According to Der Spiegel, Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, is a likely replacement for the Emirates, with South Korea’s Samsung waiting in the wings if Sony drop out. However, FIFA were unable to confirm this saying: “Because of ongoing talks we cannot give any further information regarding future partners in this category.”
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