Man Utd lose Saudi Arabia deal at 11th hour as plug pulled
Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold held sponsorship talks with Saudi Arabia prior to the World Cup, according to reports. However, it has been claimed that discussions have been ‘stopped’ soon before pen was put together over the lucrative deal.
Arnold is reported to have met with officials from the Saudi Tourism Authority regarding the Red Devils’ front-of-shirt sponsor. United have agreed to end their relationship with German communications company Team Viewer but the branding will remain on their shirt until a new sponsor is found.
Talks were held over United having the ‘Visit Saudi’ branding on the front of their shirts. Arnold met with the representative of the authority, Anas Al-Sharif, and the representative of social responsibility experts, Saud Al-Subaie.
Following discussions held prior to the Qatari World Cup, a contract was supposed to be signed between both parties this week. However, the Saudi Tourism Authority have now pulled out of an agreement.
That is according to Middle Eastern outlet EPL World, who do not expand on why a deal is no longer in place. Saudi Arabia’s increased involvement in football has come under scrutiny in recent years due to its poor human rights record.
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