Qatar Petroleum has signed a three-year agreement to become a Commercial Partner of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), becoming the latest backer of the continental body's club and national team programs. The agreement was completed at the start of the 2014 season and sees Qatar Petroleum, Qatargas and RasGas, join other leading firms in sponsoring the Kuala Lumpur-based AFC and tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup, the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup. Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, Qatar and the Chairman of Qatar Petroleum, said the agreement is “an important landmark in QP's support of sports, particularly football.” Dr. Al-Sada said “the partnership with the AFC comes a few weeks after Qatar celebrated National Sports day, and amidst intensive preparations to host the 2022 FIFA Football World Cup.” “This agreement further emphasizes the role Qatar plays in the world of sports under the guidance and support of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar,” he said. “We are delighted to welcome Qatar Petroleum, who become the latest elite brand to join the Asian football family as one of our highly valued commercial partners,” said AFC General Secretary, Dato' Alex Soosay. “Asian football has shown continual improvement year-on-year and, as our existing commercial partners can confirm, there is much to be gained through an association with the sport in Asia. “We are sure the relationship between the AFC and Qatar Petroleum will be mutually beneficial and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.” Qatar Petroleum was established in 1974 and is responsible for all phases of the oil and gas industry in Qatar. The company's principal activities cover exploration, drilling and production operations, transport, storage, marketing and sale of crude oil, natural gas liquids and liquefied natural gas. — SG
