Over the past few weeks it has been rumored multiple times that Microsoft is interesting in securing the naming rights to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which is the home of the famous Real Madrid soccer team. The unsubstantiated rumors even claimed at one point that Microsoft co-founder and chairman Bill Gates was personally involved in the negotiations. That is not the case though, as the president of Microsoft operations in Spain has confirmed to the country’s EFE press agency that Microsoft has no intention of renaming Real Madrid’s stadium after it.
Microsoft has collaborated with Real Madrid in the past, and Maria Garana, the president of Microsoft operations in Spain says that the company has “excellent” relationships with the soccer club. She rubbishes the rumors and reiterates that adding Redmond’s brand name is not part of the sponsorship package and that neither party is interested in making such a move. Garana says that Microsoft’s relationship with Real Madrid is “fundamentally based in technology and innovation.” Real Madrid fans, who were quite irritated by these rumors, can certainly heave a sigh of relief. The home of their beloved soccer club isn’t going to be rebranded or renamed in any way, at least not by Microsoft.
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