Barça considers exchanging solidarity for petrodollars

BarcelonaBarça is in the final stages of negotiating two strategic deals that will significantly increase the club's commercial revenue, a crucial factor in achieving profitability and financial stability when registering new signings. These two agreements, negotiated in recent months in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, are, as confirmed by sources within the club, well on track. They will generate millions of euros, the exact figures of which are still being kept under wraps, and will also, according to internal sources, strengthen the club's presence in the Arab market, which has already become a major player for Barça in recent years. For example, club members... New Era Visionary Group and Forta Advisors, which will operate a total of 475 seats VIP The two companies involved in the construction of the new Camp Nou over the next 30 years for €100 million are based in Dubai and Qatar, respectively. Of these new partnerships, the most notable is the one negotiated in Abu Dhabi, where a residential complex is planned with Barça as its central theme and luxury tourism as its primary target market. This newspaper has confirmed that the company responsible for building the apartments and developing the business is Ohana Development, which a few weeks ago announced a very similar agreement with Manchester City, a top-tier Premier League club owned by the Abu Dhabi royal family. Manchester City Yas Residences will be built on more than 1.5 square kilometers on one of the banks of the Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi. "City's forward-thinking vision and modern perspective align with our ambition to create prepared communities [...] through a thoughtfully designed residential complex, destined to become a lasting legacy in the real estate sector," declared Husein Salem, chief executive of the development company. "The project will bring City to a world-class residential environment," said Ferran Soriano, chairman of the British club.

Unlike Manchester City, Barça, which is still a sports association, will have to approve the implementation of an agreement at an extraordinary general meeting. This agreement also includes advertising the real estate project on the back of the first team's jersey, currently reserved for UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Previously, this space was occupied for 10 years by UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund. Therefore, if Barça members approve this operation after the elections on March 15, they will be validating the club's decision to replace a charitable initiative with advertising for a luxury residential complex financed with petrodollars. If the sponsorship is approved, it will be implemented starting next season in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup matches. In the Champions League, however, UEFA regulations prohibit sponsors on the back of the jersey, so the club will have to advertise its foundation or any other charitable initiative.

From criticizing the Qatar Foundation to doing business with sheikhs

Regarding the Dubai agreement, it will involve the construction of four skyscraper towers bearing the Barça name, as reported by RAC1, which also stated that the value of this operation will be fully determined after an audit by KPMG. In any case, the commitment of the Dubai investors is so firm that they have already deposited €11 million as a down payment. It is expected that these buildings will generate additional revenue for the club through official stores, themed restaurants, and experiences associated with Barça symbolism. As with the residential complex in Abu Dhabi, the members will have to approve the construction of the skyscrapers in Dubai at the general assembly. The extraordinary session with the delegates will take place once the entire Barça membership has voted on whether Laporta, who has gone from criticize the club's sponsorship deals with Qatar Despite constantly doing business in countries within the same region, he should remain in power. "The club has many other ways to generate income. It's a matter of values," the current leader asserted during the 2015 election campaign. More than a decade later, that discourse will have to change considerably.