The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced a new partnership with Qatar Airways Group, which will set out to bring ‘transformative’ developments across Asian football competitions over the next few years.
Taking place between 2023 and 2029, the partnership arrives just in time for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which starts early in 2024.
Other competitions that will benefit from the new deal include the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar, AFC Futsal Asian Cup, as well as all AFC youth national team competitions that span across the deal’s period.
As part of the partnership, Qatar Airways Holidays will launch travel packages for fans who want to attend the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. The packages will include return flights, hotels, as well as match tickets.
Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways is excited to welcome the AFC to our robust sports sponsorship portfolio. This is a monumental occasion which marks our shared commitment to connecting people across borders and promoting competitive sportsmanship.
“As the Best Airline in the Middle East, we look forward to welcoming fans from the region on our expansive network to experience Qatar’s unique sports offerings.
“We will work together with the AFC to help create thrilling moments of football excellence in the upcoming years, kicking off with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM, which is due to be held next month in state-of-the-art venues across the country.”
After welcoming the world for the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, Qatar will once again take hosting duties during the AFC Asian Cup next year, cementing the country as a prominent football destination by bringing fans closer to the action.
Datuk Seri Windsor John, AFC General Secretary, added: “It is with great enthusiasm we welcome Qatar Airways on board as the AFC’s newest partner. This collaboration again underlines the ever-growing appeal of the AFC’s world-class competitions and embodies the AFC and Qatar Airways’ shared commitment to excellence and elevating the sports experience for fans worldwide.
“With Qatar Airways, we look forward to expanding our global footprint. This partnership not only connects fans across borders but also enhances the accessibility of our sports events on a truly international scale with seamless and convenient travel experiences.”