Thu Jul 17 16:24:04 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Headline: Barcelona in Talks for Controversial Sponsorship Deal with DR Congo**

Barcelona Football Club is reportedly in talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for a substantial sponsorship deal worth over $46 million, according to a contract reviewed by Reuters. The agreement would see the slogan “Heart of Africa” emblazoned on the training and warm-up kits of both the men’s and women’s teams, as well as featured prominently in advertising and club publications.

The deal, reportedly spanning four seasons, would see DR Congo pay Barcelona between $11.6 million and $13.3 million annually. Details surrounding the financial specifics have yet to be officially announced by either party.

This potential sponsorship raises eyebrows due to the DR Congo’s ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. The move comes shortly after DR Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, urged major European clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain to terminate their partnerships with “Visit Rwanda,” citing concerns over the country’s alleged support of rebel groups in eastern DR Congo, a claim Rwanda denies.

AS Monaco and AC Milan also recently secured sponsorship deals with DR Congo. Monaco’s Sports Minister Didier Budimbu revealed that the deal with AS Monaco is worth $1.85m per season, while government sources say that the deal with AC Milan is worth $16.2m per season.

Neither Barcelona nor DR Congo’s Ministry of Tourism has offered official comment on the reported agreement. The proposed sponsorship raises questions about the ethics of associating a globally recognized brand with a nation embroiled in conflict and facing allegations of regional instability.

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