Qatar announced that it can no longer host the Nations Championship in 2028 due to instabilities arising from the war in the Middle East. This change in plans also resulted in the cancellation of the sponsorship contract with Qatar Airways for these competitions.
Cancellation of Sponsorship Contract
After several months of negotiations, both parties reached an agreement whereby Qatar will no longer host the series of six-nation tournaments in 2028 and 2032. The total value of hosting and sponsorship rights was estimated at around £80 million for each tournament in Qatar. However, the six-nation unions and the four leading SANZAR unions that organize the competitions hope to compensate for this financial loss with alternative contracts.
Consequences of the War in the Middle East
With ongoing threats from the United States and Israel towards Iran, Qatar's decision to withdraw from this hosting will have significant impacts on the country's sports programs. Additionally, the war and regional tensions have seriously affected the sporting ambitions of Qatar as well as Saudi Arabia and other neighboring countries. The Formula One Grand Prix, which was scheduled to take place at the end of this month, remains in doubt.
However, the MotoGP race in Qatar is still set to take place despite several drivers being banned due to safety concerns. The cancellation of a major event in 2028 is seen as another blow to the Emirate of Qatar.
Despite the absence of a title sponsor, the Nations Championship is still expected to be profitable in its first year and is anticipated to see significant growth in the coming years. There are television rights contracts with over 80 broadcasters, and 70% of tickets for the final weekend have been sold, with full sales expected once the tournament schedules are confirmed.
The six-nation teams played three away games in the Southern Hemisphere last summer and will host three more home games against other SANZAR countries, Japan, and Fiji in the next three weeks. The top team from each region will meet in a grand final at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, November 29, to determine the champions.
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