QNB, QP sign AFC three-year sponsorship agreements

Minister of Energy and Industry HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada at the signing of the agreement between Qatar Petroleum and the Asian Football Confederation.

By Sports Reporter/Doha

Qatar National Bank (QNB Group) and Qatar Petroleum (QP) have signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) becoming the body’s latest commercial partners.

The agreements between the organisations were completed at the start of the 2014 season and will see QNB Group, QP, Qatargas and RasGas join the select band of companies sponsoring events such as the AFC Asian Cup, the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup.

In comments at the signing ceremony, HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry in the State of Qatar and the chairman of Qatar Petroleum described the agreement as “an important landmark in QP’s support of sports, particularly football”.

He added: “The partnership with the AFC comes a few weeks after Qatar celebrated National Sport day, and amidst intensive preparations to host the 2022 FIFA Football World Cup.

“This agreement further emphasises the role Qatar plays in the world of sports under the guidance and support of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar.”

Commenting on the importance of the sponsorship agreement to QNB, acting group CEO Ali Ahmed al-Kuwari said, “With our growing International network presence, Asia continues to be both a very attractive and active market for us. Combined with our strong commitment to the sport of football, the opportunity to become a strategic commercial partner with the Asia Football Confederation (AFC) is both fitting and aligns well with our brand objectives.

“The appeal of Football in Qatar is reflected in the commitment and pride resulting from securing The FIFA World Cup 2022 nomination. As the largest bank in the Mena region, we are therefore pleased to extend our involvement in the sport to Asia and participate in the exciting development plans outlined by the AFC”.   

“We are sure the relationships will be mutually beneficial and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship,” said AFC general secretary Dato’ Alex Soosay.

The deals are the latest to be brokered on behalf of the AFC by World Sport Group, the confederation’s exclusive marketing partner.

BELOW:

QNB Group acting group CEO Ali Ahmed al-Kuwari and other officials at the sponsorship agreement signing ceremony.