Barcelona players will sport "DR Congo - Heart of Africa" on the back of their training shirts starting next season, following a four-year partnership agreement with the central African nation.
The deal, reportedly worth 44 million euros ($50 million; £38 million), although the exact amount Barcelona will receive remains undisclosed, has sparked criticism in DR Congo. Some have questioned the government’s priorities, especially given the chronic underfunding of its domestic football league.
However, the government defends the partnership, saying it will help elevate the country's international profile. As part of the deal, Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium will host an "immersive exhibition" to highlight DR Congo's cultural diversity and sporting heritage.
Sports Minister Didier Budimbu confirmed that the agreement includes a training camp for 50 young Congolese players and 10 coaches. Additionally, Barcelona will run sports camps for children in disciplines like basketball, handball, and roller hockey.
DR Congo has previously signed similar sponsorship deals with Italian club AC Milan and French team AS Monaco. Minister Budimbu noted that these partnerships are part of a broader strategy to reposition DR Congo as a hub for tourism and investment.
Rwanda, DR Congo’s regional rival, has its own sponsorship deal with English club Arsenal, promoting tourism under the "Visit Rwanda" campaign. Similar deals exist with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. However, these agreements have also faced criticism, particularly due to allegations that Rwanda has supported rebels in eastern DR Congo, which it denies.
In February, DR Congo's Foreign Minister questioned the "morality" of Rwanda’s sports sponsorship deals, while Rwanda dismissed accusations of "sports-washing" as a diversion.
Despite similar objections within DR Congo, the Barcelona partnership is moving forward. The country’s national football league has struggled since the Covid-19 pandemic, primarily due to a lack of funding for travel across the vast country. Some critics worry the European sponsorships may overshadow the ongoing conflict in the east and the government's human rights issues.