Qatar Airways ‘pauses’ UK£80m rugby Nations Championship title sponsorship

Qatar Airways has paused its £80 million (approximately $105 million) title sponsorship of rugby union's new Nations Championship, despite an eight-year deal reportedly agreed as early as January 2024. No contracts have been signed, with Qatari government figures deeming it 'inappropriate' to announce a major global sponsorship amid geopolitical tensions stemming from US military action against Iran. The airline is expected to activate its sponsorship beginning with the autumn fixtures in the Northern Hemisphere, while a separate proposal for Qatar to host the first four finals in exchange for £800 million in guaranteed returns was previously rejected by unions.