Posted on 12/20/2014 1:59:25 PM PST by Randall_S
Spanish soccer team FC Barcelona has reportedly decided not to renew its sponsorship deal with a Qatari group linked to the countrys royal family because of Qatars alleged involvement in funding Islamic extremist terrorist groups.
Israels Channel 2 reported Friday night that Barcelona, arguably the worlds most popular soccer team, will not renew the deal, which has so far brought in close to $200 million, because of mounting concerns related to the gulf states involvement in financing terrorism. Israeli leaders have frequently charged that Qatar funds Hamas, the terror group that rules Gaza, and the TV report also cited alleged Qatari funding of the Muslim Brotherhood, al-Nusra Front, and other Islamist groups.
During this summers Israel-Hamas war, president Shimon Peres called Qatar the worlds largest funder of terror.
The endorsement deal, which is to expire in just over a year, was made with Qatar Sports Investments and allowed for the Qatar Foundation (2011-2013), an educational trust and charity organization, and Qatar Airways (2013-2015) to display their logos on the FC Barcelona players jerseys.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesofisrael.com ...
That’s nothing, they also have a controlling interest in our government
Good! I go to Spain a lot, and while I’m basically Real Madrid, I have always been upset to see the Qatari “brand” stamped all over Barca.
You got that right!
More than you may want to know, how right you are!
Good! I like Barca but that always bothered me.
I agree. Qatar also basically owns the French FA and PSG.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.