Not so long ago we heard about stories that you cannot buy history with money, that you can’t change something that is sacred. But that change soon, everything started with Arsenal and his legendary Highbury stadium. Arsenal starts relocating in 2002 but due to financial difficulties they delayed the work until the start of 2004. Later that year Arsenal announce that new stadium will hold the name of their sponsor Emirates Stadium.
At the end of last year Real Madrid even change his emblem because of the money. Real Madrid is founded in 1902 and since 1920 he got cross over the crown in their emblem. But last year Real Madrid signs a very good deal with National Bank of Abu Dhabi and they decide to remove their emblem because they didn’t want to offend any Muslim fans. First they wanted to change emblem in whole world, but Real officials were stuck with heavy resistance from Real fans. After a lot of talk they decide that “new” emblem will only be sold in UAE. Real Madrid agree on one more significant change, they sign contract with Fly Emirates and agree to change the name of their iconic stadium Santiago Bernabeu to Abu Dhabi Bernabeu.
Another Spain giant might face the same fate as Real Madrid. Barcelona is a club with long tradition, they are special in world with their youth academy La Masia and off course we cannot forget legendary Nou Camp. Long time Barcelona didn’t have any sponsor on their shirts; they had UNICEF logo for free. But almost overnight Qatar Airway logo started to be on their shirt. First Barcelona officials defend themselves that they are only helping Qatar for their upcoming World Cup. But soon fans found out the sponsorship contract between Qatar Airway and Barcelona. Now Spain media are writing about new contract between Barcelona and Qatar Airway, in this contract Qatar Airway will pay the upgrade of Nou Camp that is schedule to start in 2017. After upgrade Nou Camp (or whatever it will call) will have capacity of 105 00 spectators. Qatar Airway is supposed to pay for that upgrade and in return Barcelona will have to rename their stadium.
Before club tradition was obeyed and respect where ever you go, now with more and more money coming from sponsor club tradition are slowly fading from club rooms.
Is Barcelona following footsteps of Real Madrid and changing the name of their stadium?
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