Doha, December 16 (QNA) - Qatar Airways Group and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have signed a global partnership set to transform the fan experience at Asian football competitions in the coming years.

In a statement today, Qatar Airways said that the partnership will run from 2023 to 2029 in time for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM, which kicks off on 12 January. The package of rights also includes other key competitions such as the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024, 2026 and 2028, as well as all AFC youth national team competitions during the period.

Qatar Airways' sponsorship also includes all matches of the AFC Champions LeagueTM 2023/24 Knockout Stage and three eagerly-anticipated new AFC flagship club competitions which will take place from the 2024/25 season onwards: the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Women's Champions League and the AFC Champions League 2.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: "Qatar Airways is excited to welcome the AFC to our robust sports sponsorship portfolio. This is a monumental occasion which marks our shared commitment to connecting people across borders and promoting competitive sportsmanship." He continued: "As the Best Airline in the Middle East, we look forward to welcoming fans from the region on our expansive network to experience Qatar's unique sports offerings. We will work together with the AFC to help create thrilling moments of football excellence in the upcoming years, kicking off with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which is due to be held next month in state-of-the-art venues across the country." For his part, AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, said: "It is with great enthusiasm we welcome Qatar Airways on board as the AFC's newest partner. This collaboration again underlines the ever-growing appeal of the AFC's world-class competitions and embodies the AFC and Qatar Airways' shared commitment to excellence and elevating the sports experience for fans worldwide." (QNA)