Barcelona and DR Congo Agree Four-Year Shirt Sponsorship Deal
Barcelona will feature 'DR Congo - Heart of Africa' on its training shirts under a four-year deal aimed at boosting the country’s profile despite domestic criticism.
Barcelona players will wear "DR Congo - Heart of Africa" on the back of their training shirts starting next season under a four-year sponsorship agreement with the central African nation.
The deal is reported to cost the Democratic Republic of Congo 44 million euros, though Barcelona has not disclosed its own earnings.
Some Congolese have criticized the priorities of funding an overseas partnership while the domestic league remains underfunded, but officials argue it will raise the country’s international profile.
As part of the agreement, Barcelona’s Camp Nou will host an immersive exhibition to highlight DR Congo’s cultural diversity and sporting traditions.
The pact also includes a training camp for 50 young Congolese players and 10 coaches, along with multi-sport programs in basketball, handball and roller hockey.
DR Congo has inked similar deals with AC Milan and AS Monaco to promote tourism and investment, following regional competitor Rwanda’s "Visit Rwanda" sleeve sponsorship with Arsenal.
Such partnerships have drawn scrutiny over sports-washing and regional tensions, even as a recent peace accord between Rwanda and DR Congo seeks to end long-running conflict in the east.
The national football league has struggled since the Covid-19 pandemic due to chronic funding shortages.
Critics warn that high-profile European sponsorships may overshadow ongoing human rights concerns and the eastern conflict.
Barcelona’s deal with DR Congo aims to elevate the country’s global image through high-profile football partnerships despite domestic challenges and regional controversies.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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