Barcelona execs are reportedly "hoping to sign a four-year extension to the club's shirt deal with Qatar Airways," according to Fernando Polo of MUNDO DEPORTIVO. It was previously reported that the club "was considering not having a shirt sponsor for one year, or signing a one-year extension to give both parties more time to negotiate a deal that would be more beneficial." But club sources "insist that the possibility of signing for one year is not on the table and that the two sides are working to reach an agreement for four seasons if negotiations are successful" (MUNDO DEPORTIVO, 5/18).
FRIENDLY POSTPONED: ESPN reported Barcelona announced that "next week's friendly against Al-Ahli Saudi FC has been postponed." The game was due to take place in Doha on May 24 but Barça said that "Qatar Airways made the decision to reschedule." The club said in a statement, "Qatar Airways, the host and sponsor of the friendly match between FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi FC, which was scheduled to be played on May 24 in Doha, has opted to postpone the game. That same week, the region is also hosting the prestigious Emir Cup Final, as well as games being played in the AFC League. The coincidence of the match with these major sporting events means that the game will now be postponed to a later date (to be announced shortly) in order to encourage the best possible attendance." Barcelona-based newspaper Sport, however, reported that the decision to reschedule "was mutual," with a dressing-room source saying that several players "were reluctant to take part given their other commitments" (ESPN, 5/18).
