The move indicates that Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is adopting a similar sponsorship strategy to other airlines in the region, in particular its Dubai-based rival Emirates.
While the amount of the sponsorship is undisclosed, sources say the platinum category was priced in the region of $1.5million.
Etihad’s sponsorship comes as the Gulf Cup - a major regional football tournament for the Gulf states - has undergone a major face-lift for the first time in its 30-year history. The tournament has been expanded to eight nations for the first time with the inclusion of Yemen and the re-admission of Iraq for the first time since its invasion of Kuwait.
The increased number of teams has enabled the tournament to abandon its traditional league format, which often saw the Gulf Cup won with games to spare. Instead, there will now be mini-leagues with a knockout stage and final.
In additional host Qatar has expanded the tournament to include volleyball, basketball and handball events.
