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Barcelona players will display “DR Congo – Heart of Africa” on the back of their training shirts starting next season, following a four-year agreement with the central African nation.
This partnership is said to cost the Democratic Republic of Congo 44 million euros ($50 million; £38 million), although the club has not revealed the amount it will gain.
A rebel faction has taken control of significant areas in eastern DR Congo this year, although a ceasefire has recently been established.
This deal has faced criticism from certain Congolese citizens who question their government’s priorities, particularly in light of the longstanding underfunding in their football league. However, the authorities have defended the agreement, asserting that it will enhance the country’s visibility.
As part of the arrangement, Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium will host what the club describes as an “immersive exhibition to highlight the cultural diversity and sporting history” of DR Congo.
Barcelona has also said it will conduct camps for children in various sports, such as basketball, handball, and roller hockey.
DR Congo has formed similar partnerships with Italian club AC Milan and French team AS Monaco. Last month, the country’s sports Minister, Didier Budimbu, referred to these agreements as part of a strategy to “rebrand” DR Congo as a leader in tourism and investment opportunities.
Nonetheless, some believe that the funds should be allocated within the country.
Since 2018, DR Congo’s neighbour, Rwanda, has had a sponsorship deal with English club Arsenal, promoting tourism with the tagline “Visit Rwanda” on the players’ sleeves. Other teams, such as French side Paris St-Germain and German club Bayern Munich, have similar partnerships.
These arrangements have also faced scrutiny, especially recently, as Rwanda has been accused of supporting rebels in DR Congo amidst a devastating conflict in the east, a claim it denies
Some critics of the Congolese government have raised alarms that these European agreements could overshadow the ongoing conflict in the east and the authorities’ concerning human rights record.
