Amnesty International Criticizes FC Barcelona Over Sponsorship Deals with Democratic Republic of Congo
Amnesty International has condemned FC Barcelona over sponsorship deals signed with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), issuing strong statements directly targeting the club’s board under President Joan Laporta.
The criticism came just hours after the second round of the Spanish La Liga kicked off, with the organization accusing the club’s management of attempting to whitewash the social situation in a country plagued by serious human rights violations—issues that go far beyond sports.
European football has increasingly become a global stage for what is known as “sports washing,” using sports to improve the image of countries responsible for severe human rights abuses. Barcelona’s recent agreement with the DRC, a country mired in armed conflict with Rwanda that has resulted in thousands of casualties, is the latest example.
Amnesty International warned that sports should not be used to mask human rights violations. The organization highlighted that eastern DRC is experiencing armed conflict between the March 23 Movement (M23), supported by Rwanda, and groups backed by the Congolese army, with widespread sexual violence against women, attacks on civilians, and control over mineral-rich areas, including gold and coltan.
The organization also cautioned that displaying the slogan “Democratic Republic of Congo – Heart of Africa” on Barcelona’s jerseys should not obscure the ongoing abuses, which include arbitrary arrests, torture, restrictions on freedom of expression, and rising death sentences.
Barcelona-DRC Sponsorship Agreement
On July 30, Barcelona announced a four-year agreement with the DRC government, securing financial support of approximately €40 million, divided into €10 million per season, aimed at strengthening the club’s financial position and ensuring player registration.
Under the agreement, all professional Barcelona teams will feature the slogan “Democratic Republic of Congo – Heart of Africa” on their training kits through the 2028-2029 season. Camp Nou will also host a “House of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” highlighting the country’s cultural and sporting diversity.
Precedents in Other Countries
Rwanda pioneered similar initiatives, signing a $30 million deal with Arsenal in 2018 to promote tourism, featuring the “Visit Rwanda” slogan on the men’s and women’s first-team kits. Paris Saint-Germain followed in 2019, renewing a contract until 2028, and Bayern Munich signed a similar agreement in 2023 to promote tourism and investment in Rwanda.
Fan pressure has often forced clubs to limit the visibility of these sponsorships and shift focus toward youth football development. Atlético Madrid was the most recent club to feature the “Visit Rwanda” slogan.
