Barcelona has signed a four-year shirt sponsorship deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo, with “DR Congo – Heart of Africa” to be emblazoned on training shirts. This agreement, reportedly costing the DR Congo 44 million euros ($50 million/£38 million), is aimed at raising the country's profile despite ongoing conflict and domestic criticism.

• The partnership is valued at an estimated 44 million euros ($50 million/£38 million) over four years.
• Didier Budimbu, Sports Minister of DR Congo, confirmed the deal includes training camps for 50 young Congolese players and 10 coaches.
• The deal has faced criticism from some Congolese citizens regarding government priorities, as the DR Congo’s own football league is chronically underfunded, but authorities defend it as a strategy to reposition the country as a leader in tourism and investment.