QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, announced the renewal of its sponsorship agreement with Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Qatar Stars League Management (QSLM) for six seasons, whereby the QNB Group sponsors all of QFA and QSLM competitions, including The Emir Cup, Qatar National Teams and where for the first time Qatar Stars League (QSL) shall become the “QNB Stars League”. This sponsorship agreement has already begun since last season 2016-2017 and this occasion is an opportunity to reconfirm the support of QNB Group.
The sponsorship agreement has been signed by H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of QFA and President of QSLM, and QNB Group CEO Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari.
With this renewal, QNB will sponsor QFA and QSL championships, which include: All Qatar National Teams - The Emir Cup - Qatar Stars League (QNB Stars League) - Qatar Cup - U-23 Championship - Sheikh Jassim Cup - Second Division, in addition to the community competitions of Amateur League, Universities League - Universities Cup and the Schools League.
Commenting on the renewal of the agreement, H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani thanked QNB Group for continuing to sponsor the Qatari football and for providing unlimited support to the prominent sports events hosted by the State of Qatar.
He also noted that the association of a leading brand such as QNB with the country’s national team and its presence alongside local tournaments show the great value of these leagues and teams, and helps achieve the goals sought by everyone in the world of football in Qatar.
His Excellency also hailed this sponsorship agreement, saying it will have a positive impact on clubs and tournaments organized by the Association and QSLM, and expressed his hopes that other national institutions and companies will follow the example of QNB and support community-based activities such as sports, which represent an important aspect of the progress of societies.
For his part, Mr. Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, QNB Group CEO, said: “We believe that QNB Group is aware of its national duty towards society, and there is no doubt that this continued support is the result of our understanding of this role, which is part of our commitment to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.”
He added: "We are confident that this sponsorship will contribute to achieving the goals of the sports organizations concerned and the objectives desired by the State of Qatar in the sports field."
Mr. Al Kuwari further added: “With the presence of the QNB Group in the sports field and its continued support, the Group has become a partner in the consolidation of football concepts as a communication tool, serving as a link between peoples and countries around the world.”
He further praised the role played by the QFA in shaping the Qatari football roadmap and its leading contribution in the development of football activity in the Qatari clubs, as well as QFA and QSLM organization of tournaments of the highest international standards, helping to attract the attention of the sports community, locally and internationally. He added that QNB Group is so keen to be a partner in giving the Qatari football the motivation to continue the path of development in order to realize its global achievements.
Mr. Al Kuwari also explained that, in the coming years, the Group will organize many events, and will call on Qatari youth -- via its own social media accounts -- to encourage their clubs, especially since the league will now carry the Bank's name throughout the next seasons.
The Group also will continuously strengthen its presence in all the QFA and QSLM events, in addition to working on highlighting their activities among the Bank's staff.
It is worth mentioning that QNB Group has a long history in supporting and sponsoring sport activities that bridge the gap between the banking and sports sectors and highlight their identity on the local and international arenas.