The Malaysian Insider – 14 hours agoRELATED CONTENT
- Real Madrid remove cross from badge after UAE sponsorship deal
Champions League holders Real Madrid have dropped the Christian cross on their official badge in what is reportedly a move to pacify Muslim supporters in the United Arab Emirates, a Spanish sports newspaper said.
According to daily Marca.com, images of the amended “Los Blancos” badge could be seen on credit cards issued by the National Bank of Abu Dhabi after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez announced on September 12 a three-year partnership with the leading UAE bank.
The cards, which also function as Real Madrid membership cards, feature the badge with the cross above the crown removed in order to avoid causing offence or discomfort among Muslim customers.
“I know that the local people experience every match in a special way and that our links with the UAE are constantly growing stronger,” Perez was quoted as saying.
“This agreement will help the club to keep conquering the hearts of followers in the United Arab Emirates.”
Real Madrid players Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal were present at the announcement of the partnership.
The report added that the crest has not been altered outside the region. – December 1, 2014
