Unconfirmed reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) indicate that the Minister of Sports and Leisure, Didier Budimbu, has signed a $1.6 million per season agreement with French football club AS Monaco.
According to Mediacongo, the deal is considered a significant development for football in Africa and is mainly aimed at advancing the sport in the DRC.
The agreement reportedly includes a €200,000 budget to cover travel expenses related to AS Monaco’s activities in the country.
According to sources within the ministry, 80% of the funds will be allocated to sports training programs, while 20% may be used for promoting the DRC’s image abroad.
The partnership includes knowledge exchange, especially in technical training and support for young football talents from Congo. Reports also indicate that negotiations took seven months.
Following criticism, the ministry stated the agreement was made transparently and assured the public that Minister Didier Budimbu has no personal interest in the deal.
