Real Madrid have removed the cross from the top of the club's crest as part of a marketing drive in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reports www.fcbusiness.co.uk It's reported that the cross has been removed from the crest that will appear across the UAE as part of the Spanish giant's three year sponsorship deal with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD).
The new crest will feature heavily in the region with NBAD producing branded credit cards which will also double up as membership cards in what club president Florentino Perez, labelled a "strategic alliance with one of the most prestigious institutions in the world".
The redesign seems to be part of a considered move to win over fans in the largely Muslim region.
Speaking at the launch of the partnership in September, Perez commented, "This agreement enables Real Madrid to win the hearts of Emirati citizens and bring us closer to them.
"This club belongs to all fans and members and it is part of our vocation to carry on being the best."
However, critics suggest that the club have sacrificed their identity in pursuit of cash but it's noted the cross will appear on the club crest in Europe.
