Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Qatar Airways are still a contender to take stadium naming rights despite their recent move into rugby.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 67-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the state-backed flag-carrying airline are still “in the running” to secure a lucrative deal with the Toffees.
News emerged earlier this month that Qatar Airways has agreed a £80million deal to become title sponsors of the new rugby union Nations Championship.
Wyness has previously told Football Insider (1 January) that the airline would be a “stable, quality advertiser” for Everton’s new stadium – which will open in time for the 2025-26 season.
It was widely reported in 2023 that former owner Farhad Moshiri held in-person talks with Qatar Airways over a potential naming deal.
Riyadh Air and Etihad Airways are among similar companies to secure a naming rights deal in a prominent league, with Atletico Madrid and Man City respectively.
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Qatar Airways deal still a possibility for Everton, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “They’re one of the front-runners because of Liverpool Airport, Manchester Airport being close by.
“Qatar Airways may not be a prime candidate, but they are definitely an option.
“They’ve made this move into rugby, which is an unusual move – but I hope it works out for them.
Everton
“I don’t believe that will end any chance of them looking at further deals in football, not at all.
“I still think they could be in the running for the Everton naming rights, but I’d put them in the second tier of possibilities.”
