Landmark Partnership: Asiacell Teams Up with Paris Saint-Germain in Iraq
In a historic step for Iraq's business landscape, Asiacell, the leading telecommunications operator in the country, has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), one of the foremost football clubs globally. The announcement signifies the first time that an Iraqi company has engaged in such a significant alliance with a renowned global sports organization. The partnership was ceremoniously unveiled at the iconic Parc des Princes, the home stadium of PSG.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Asiacell's CEO and the Group Regional Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo, which is Asiacell's parent company. The partnership comes at a particularly proud moment for Iraq, as the national football team has recently qualified for major international competitions, raising the spirits and aspirations of local fans.
Asiacell's partnership with PSG is not merely a sponsorship; it is an assertion that Iraqi businesses have successfully carved a niche on the international stage. Amer Sunna, Asiacell's CEO, expressed pride in being the first company from Iraq to make this leap, stating, "This partnership is a statement that Iraqi business has earned its place on the world stage."
The collaboration is positioned to enhance both Asiacell and PSG's branding in Iraq. As part of the deal, Asiacell will function as the premium partner, aiming to elevate the connection between Iraqi supporters and their beloved football heroes alongside the global icons of the sport.
Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Thani, Ooredoo's regional chief, commented on the innovative approach that Asiacell is taking, indicating that it represents the boldness that Ooredoo Group embraces. He iterated the excitement surrounding this new phase for Iraqi business and looks forward to the unique experiences this partnership will provide for customers within Iraq.
Richard Heaselgrave, Chief Revenue Officer of PSG, acknowledged that this partnership strengthens their ties within the Middle East, particularly in a vibrant market like Iraq. He stated that it comes at a significant time for Iraqi football, reflecting both the club’s ambition to expand its influence and the exciting footballing ambitions within Iraq.
Asiacell boasts over twenty years of operations across 19 cities in Iraq, catering to a customer base exceeding 20 million individuals. The company provides a range of mobile, data, and digital services, effectively connecting millions of Iraqis daily. Their extensive experience has positioned them as a backbone of communication services in the nation.
On the other hand, Ooredoo Group, which oversees Asiacell's operations, is a key player in the international telecommunications landscape. It offers advanced digital infrastructure across nine markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, aiming to empower digital transformation at scale, which is vital in today’s tech-driven society.
Paris Saint-Germain, founded in 1970, is recognized as France's leading sports club and has recently achieved notable success, including winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 2025. Under the ownership of Qatar Sports Investments since 2011, PSG has achieved unprecedented growth as a multi-sport institution, excelling not only in football but also in other sports, including handball and judo. The cult status and the massive global following of PSG, reported to exceed 500 million fans, have established it as a cultural icon in the modern sports landscape.
This collaboration between Asiacell and PSG represents a meeting point of ambition, sporting excellence, and national pride. As both entities work together, they not only seek to uplift their brands but also aim to inspire a new wave of enthusiasm in Iraqi sports culture. By bringing world-renowned football to Iraq, they are aiming to create a league where local heroes and international stars can inspire generations to come and contribute to a brighter, more united future for sports in Iraq.