FC Barcelona has agreed to a four-year sponsorship deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo, worth 44m euros ($50m; £38m), with the phrase “DR Congo – Heart of Africa” emblazoned on the back of the team’s training shirts starting next season.
Despite criticism from some Congolese citizens who question the government’s priorities, especially given the country’s domestic football league’s chronic underfunding, the authorities defend the agreement, saying it will raise the country’s profile.
As part of the deal, Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium will host an immersive exhibition showcasing DR Congo’s cultural diversity and sporting tradition.
The partnership also includes a training camp for 50 young Congolese players and 10 coaches, as well as sports camps for children in various disciplines like basketball, handball, and roller hockey. DR Congo has signed similar deals with Italian side AC Milan and French team AS Monaco, part of a strategy to reposition the country as a leader in tourism and investment opportunities.
