BARCELONA
Barcelona look to close Qatar and Amazon sponsorship deals
The American company are not currently willing to pay the desired 60 million euros. By Monday 25 July the deal for a year's extension with QSI will be confirmed. Sporting vs Barcelona
In the offices of the Camp Nou there is a feeling of relief. After many months of doubt, an agreement with Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) is almost a reality. All that remains is to make it official. The club has been working with the game schedule to decide when to announce the deal and getting the right timing has been important for them. With the final game of last season being the Copa del Rey final and with the current contract with QSI running out on the June 30, the goal is to announce at the first pre-season friendly, which will take place on July 30 against Glasgow Celtic at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Timing is key
Josep Maria Bartomeu, president of the Catalan club, had to intervene in the proceedings, to seal the work already progressed by the marketing team led by Vice President Manel Arroyo. The thought is that the stars of the team, some of whom had longer holidays due to international exertions, will have joined up with the rest of Luis Enrique's men by the planned announcement date. The exception to this being Neymar Jr who has been called up to the Brazilian Olympic team. Representatives from both the football club and the Qatari investors felt that this would be the most appropriate day. The expectation is that everything will be made final on July 25 when a meeting has been scheduled for Bartomeu's board members. There they will be informed of the finer details of the deal including the investment, around 40 million euros for the one year extension. This is significantly short of the 65 million previously promised to the members by the president.
Amazonian path
As reported before by Diario AS, Amazon could still be the sponsor with their name emblazoned on the blaugrana shirts. Executives of the company and the club have long been discussing options with elements still needing some polishing even although it appears that documentation has already been drafted. If this can be finalised then it is likely the North American company will take over upon the conclusion of the Qatari extension.
"Let's see how it concludes, but it looks good", was the comment from the Camp Nou, although they are aware that they will receive "criticism from some if we do not get the expected amounts."