Joan Laporta has been trying to reverse FC Barcelona's economic situation since he won the elections in 2021. After four years, the blaugrana team still isn't under the 1:1 rule, but the outlook is much more positive. Along the way, the club has closed a renewal with Nike and new contracts with Spotify and Ambilight, among others.
Despite this, the goal still hasn't been achieved, although it's getting closer. No one expected the news that has come to light in recent hours, with a new sponsorship that could have a very positive impact on the accounts for "fair play".
Congo partners with Barça
Several media outlets from Africa have released the details of a new sponsorship agreement for FC Barcelona. Specifically, this is about promoting tourism for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In total, for displaying the slogan "DRC, the heart of Africa" on the jersey sleeve, the blaugrana club would receive about €10 million ($10 million) per season.
This is a sponsorship agreement for the next three seasons, which would bring in a total of €30 million ($30 million).
Recently, Didier Budumbu, Congo's Minister of Sports and Tourism, was in Barcelona. This wouldn't just be a sponsorship agreement, since there is an intention to create collaboration agreements with schools there through the FC Barcelona Foundation.
In 2023, Barça Legends played a friendly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during a visit that began to forge the connection with the African country.
Impact on the 1:1 rule
Since this agreement doesn't exist for Barça and is completely new, the impact on the 1:1 rule would be very positive. FC Barcelona, so far, hasn't commented on this possible sponsorship. This is something that other European teams like Arsenal already have, although in their case the slogan "Visit Congo" appears on their jersey sleeve.
For these 3 years, the total income would be €30 million ($30 million), according to the rumors that have been released. We'll have to wait...