Pepsi "could be an alternative to Qatar Airways as the new sponsor of Barcelona," according to EL MUNDO. The club "recently began conversations with the beverage brand, and according to OK Diario, the agreement is close to being signed." Barcelona would receive up to €60M ($67.8M) over five seasons. Although Barça "continues negotiations with Qatar Airways to continue the partnership, the club has wanted to open an alternative in case the conversations with the airline do not come to fruition." The club "took advantage of Super Bowl 50 to send representatives to the U.S. for talks with Pepsi." Barcelona "could also be interested in being sponsored by Pepsi given that Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez have endorsement deals with the brand" (EL MUNDO, 2/9). In Barcelona, Roger Torelló reported despite media reports claiming Pepsi could be the club's new sponsor, Barcelona sources "denied that there is an offer from the beverage brand" (MUNDO DEPORTIVO, 2/9). FOOTBALL ESPANA reported Qatar 2022 Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi said that he is confident Barcelona and Qatar Airways "will soon renegotiate their sponsorship agreement." Al Thawadi believes both parties will "eventually find common ground" (FOOTBALL ESPANA, 2/8).
