Does UNICEF Still Sponsor Barcelona?
UNICEF, also known as the United Nations Children’s Fund, has a long-standing relationship with FC Barcelona. For many years, the organization sponsored the football club’s jersey, prominently displaying its logo. This partnership not only raised awareness about UNICEF but also helped fund projects aimed at improving the lives of children around the world.
History of the UNICEF Sponsorship
The collaboration between FC Barcelona and UNICEF began in 2006 when then-president Joan Laporta decided to include the organization’s logo on the team’s jerseys. This unprecedented move was a powerful statement by the club, showcasing its commitment to social responsibility and using its global reach for a greater cause.
For five consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2011, FC Barcelona proudly displayed the UNICEF logo on their jerseys during both domestic and international matches. The partnership was seen as a win-win situation: FC Barcelona received financial support for their sporting activities while simultaneously promoting UNICEF’s mission.
The Transition to Qatar Foundation
In 2011, FC Barcelona announced a new sponsorship deal with Qatar Foundation. This decision sparked controversy among fans and critics who questioned whether it was appropriate for a club with such strong ties to social causes to associate itself with an organization that faced allegations of human rights violations.
Under this new agreement, which lasted until 2017, Qatar Foundation replaced UNICEF as the primary sponsor on FC Barcelona’s jerseys. While this change brought significant financial benefits to the club, many fans missed seeing the iconic blue and white UNICEF logo on their beloved team’s shirts.
A Return to UNICEF
After six seasons of partnering with Qatar Foundation, FC Barcelona made another significant shift in their sponsorship strategy. In 2017, the club decided to bring back UNICEF as the main sponsor on their jerseys, a move that was met with enthusiasm from fans and supporters worldwide.
The renewed partnership between FC Barcelona and UNICEF not only reinstated the iconic logo on the team’s jerseys but also involved a commitment to donate a portion of the sponsorship revenue to support UNICEF’s projects globally.
The Future of the Partnership
As of now, UNICEF continues to sponsor FC Barcelona. The partnership remains a symbol of both organizations’ dedication to making a positive impact on children’s lives worldwide. While sponsorship deals in football can change over time, the connection between FC Barcelona and UNICEF has proven resilient and enduring.
In Conclusion
The collaboration between FC Barcelona and UNICEF has been an important chapter in both organizations’ histories. While there was a temporary transition away from UNICEF sponsorship, the return in 2017 reaffirmed the shared values and commitment to social responsibility.
- UNICEF initially sponsored Barcelona from 2006-2011.
- In 2011-2017, Qatar Foundation replaced UNICEF as the primary sponsor.
- Since 2017, UNICEF has once again become FC Barcelona’s main sponsor.
The story of this sponsorship showcases how football clubs can leverage their global platforms for philanthropic endeavors. It serves as an inspiration for other clubs and organizations to prioritize social initiatives alongside their sporting achievements.