Real Madrid and PSG have a common thread

Doha: A common link between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, who were due to meet in an exhibition game in Doha on Thursday, is the presence of the Emirates airline motif on both team jerseys. The Dubai-based airline renewed its partnership with both the teams in the middle of last year.

In separate agreements penned in May, Emirates announced a shirt sponsorship with the Spanish giants for five years (until the end of the 2017-18 season) while they renewed their tie-up with PSG for five years until the end of 2018-19.

Incidentally, the airline’s association with the French club began as early as in 2005, followed by a shirt sponsorship deal from the 2006-07 season. The renewal of the agreement with PSG is particularly significant, especially since Qatar Sports Investment took over the club in early 2012.

“This is a perfect time for Emirates to re-sign with Paris Saint-Germain given the club’s new international players and ongoing success as Ligue 1 champions, as well as the European championship,” said Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice-President, Passenger Sales Worldwide, Emirates, about the rationale behind the move.