Pepsi in talks with Barcelona to replace Qatar Airways as sponsor

According to reports from Spain, Pepsi is in “advanced talks” with Barcelona officials and could usurp Qatar Airways as the Catalan club’s officials shirt sponsor next season.

The American multinational food, snack and beverage company initiated talks with the reigning Spanish and European champions over the past few days, and last week representatives from Barcelona were at Super Bowl 50 to hold face to face negotiations with corporate officials from PepsiCo Inc.

It is understood that contracts and numbers have already been discussed.

According to the Catalan daily SPORT, Pepsi have proposed a five-year deal worth nearly $70 million per season to have their brand name on the front of Barcelona’s shirt.

Pepsi has already used Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in adverting campaigns across the world, and the corporation wants to continue strengthening its influence in soccer.

The American company already has brands (Lay’s, Gatorade and Pepsi Max) sponsoring the UEFA Champions League.

SEE MORE: La Liga schedule for US TV and live streaming.

Talks with Qatar Airways are expected to continue, but Barcelona officials have not been pleased with negotiations and are seeking alternatives for next season.

There has also been a suggestion that the Catalan club could go a season without a sponsor on its shirt – provided a suitable deal is not reached.