🤑 African money boost: Congo to sponsor Barcelona's shirt | OneFootball

FC Barcelona has signed a surprising sponsorship deal with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, valued at over 40 million euros, according to Reuters.

The African country will promote its tourism on the club's training shirts for the next four seasons. The amount, between 10 and 11.5 million per year, has caused a stir.

The DRC logo will also appear on advertising material, the official magazine, and the club's annual report. According to Reuters, the contract was signed on June 29 and will apply to both the men's and women's teams.

A common national marketing strategy.

The Congolese Minister of Sports, Didier Budimbu, claims they seek to change the country's international image. However, many wonder if this is a justified investment for a nation with significant social needs. Criticism over the million-euro expenditure has quickly arisen, both inside and outside the country.

Barcelona, for its part, adds new revenue without altering the official game jersey. The club continues to activate its "levers" with creativity and some controversy. And it's not alone: Monaco and Milan have also signed similar deals, although for much smaller amounts.

Tourism or propaganda? The debate is on.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 JOSEP LAGO - AFP or licensors