Barcelona offered franchise option in Qatar that could bolster club accounts
Barcelona is actively seeking new sources of revenue, and one proposal that has recently surfaced is the establishment of a franchise team in the Middle East. The club faces substantial financial obligations, including the renovation of Camp Nou, the Espai Barca project, and the maintenance of a competitive top-tier team. To explore this potential opportunity, Barcelona's hierarchy, led by President Joan Laporta, traveled to Qatar to meet with representatives from Baladi Express.
During the visit, Laporta and his team met with Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah, the President of Baladi Express's Advisory Council. Interestingly, Laporta and Al-Attiyah had been seen together at Camp Nou previously, following a sponsorship agreement between Barcelona and Baladi Express. The concept being discussed involves Barcelona lending its brand name to a franchise in Qatar, enabling the club to generate profits from this association.
A parallel is drawn to the City Group, a prominent organization that owns Manchester City and several other clubs worldwide, including New York City FC. The Barcelona executives may see this as a potential model to follow in expanding their own brand and revenue streams.
It is worth noting that Laporta had previously criticized his predecessors for their connections with Qatar, particularly the decision to move the UNICEF logo from the front to the back of Barcelona's shirts. He had argued that Qatar's values did not align with those of the club. However, it seems that the pressing financial concerns faced by Barcelona have now overridden Laporta's previous objections, as they actively explore new business opportunities.
By venturing into the Middle East market through a franchise team, Barcelona aims to tap into the economic potential of the region and leverage its brand strength. This move could provide the club with a significant financial boost, allowing them to meet their ongoing financial commitments, including the renovation of Camp Nou and the ambitious Espai Barca project.
While the exact details of this proposal are yet to be unveiled, it signifies Barcelona's willingness to explore innovative revenue streams and adapt to the changing dynamics of the football industry. The potential collaboration with Baladi Express in Qatar represents a significant step towards expanding Barcelona's global presence and securing a more sustainable financial future for the club.
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