Qatar Airways has signed up as a major sponsor of FIFA through to 2022 ©FIFA

Qatar Airways has signed up as a major sponsor of FIFA through to 2022, it has been announced here today.

The deal will see the state-owned company sponsor tournaments, including the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, due to be staged in Russia and Qatar respectively.

Qatar Airways will also become the official airline as part of the agreement, which FIFA claim is "one of the biggest sporting sponsorships in the world".

It had been widely expected that Qatar Airways, founded in 1993, would ease FIFA's sponsorship concerns by becoming a sponsor.

Last month, the Financial Times reported that the organisation was struggling to secure high-level sponsors in the wake of the ongoing corruption scandal.

FIFA announced they had made a loss of $369 million (£284 million/€336 million) for the 2016 financial year.

Sony and Emirates, another airline, ended their sponsorship of FIFA after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and were not immediately replaced.

"FIFA is delighted to partner with the world's fastest-growing airline, Qatar Airways," FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura said. 

She added: "Known for introducing industry firsts, Qatar Airways is an ideal partner for FIFA as we prepare for the first-ever World Cup in the Gulf region, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

"We look forward to working hand in hand with Qatar Airways to promote FIFA competitions and football around the world."

The deal was announced prior to FIFA holding their annual Congress here on Thursday (May 11).

As part of the agreement, Qatar Airways will also sponsor the 2017 Confederations Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2019 Women's World Cup in France.

Next year's World Cup in Russia and the 2022 edition of the event in the Gulf nation remain the subject of a criminal investigation over alleged wrongdoing.

"Qatar Airways understands the power of sport in bringing people together in the spirit of friendly competition," Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said. 

"FIFA, as the governing body of the world's most popular sporting tournament, the FIFA World Cup, understands the power of football's popularity, and as such is a natural partner for Qatar Airways. 

"We look forward to celebrating wins with the fans, being inspired by the artistry of the players, and to the excitement of each match over the next two FIFA competition cycles, until the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in our home country, the State of Qatar."