PSG is seeking more cash to offset the signing of Kylian Mbappé, among others.GETTY IMAGES
Dubai airline Emirates "plans to sever ties" to Paris St. Germain as the club "seeks a more lucrative sponsorship deal" as relations between its Qatari owners and the UAE "sour," according to Ania Nussbaum of BLOOMBERG. A contract that has included the Emirates name being featured on PSG players’ jerseys since '06 ends next year and will not be renewed, a spokesperson for the airline said. PSG said that it is "seeking more cash" after the high-profile signings of Brazilian Neymar and french int'l Kylian Mbappé. The sponsorship deal has "also become an uncomfortable fit" since the UAE and three other countries led by Saudi Arabia imposed a trade and travel embargo on Qatar last year "after accusing it of supporting terrorism." Emirates declined to say whether it is looking to sponsor a rival French team, though the company's football portfolio features a club in each of Europe's major leagues, including Real Madrid, Arsenal and AC Milan. Its name is also featured on the jersey of North American Soccer League side N.Y. Cosmos. Alternative French candidates for Emirates sponsorship include Olympique de Marseille, according to sources. A spokesperson for OM declined to comment on any past or present negotiations. The club's current shirt sponsor is French telecom Orange (BLOOMBERG, 11/9).
