Claude Le Roy threatens to quit Congo over alleged €40,000 selection demands

Claude Le Roy says intermediaries have allegedly demanded up to 40,000 euros for players to join Congo’s national team, warning he will leave immediately if the federation agrees to such payments.

The French coach made the claim as he attempts to strengthen the Diables Rouges with dual-nationality players. He said some agents had placed a financial condition on their players representing Congo, a practice he categorically rejects.

“Some agents allegedly asked for considerable sums for certain players (…) up to 40,000 euros,” Le Roy said. That figure is equivalent to about 30 million CFA francs.

He also made clear that he would not remain in the job if the demands were accepted.

“I can tell you one thing: the day we agree to give even 100 euros, separate from what players normally receive in mission expenses and match bonuses, win bonuses, draw bonuses and nothing if we lose… If we accept that, I will leave immediately.”

Le Roy’s second spell in charge of Congo has already begun with a difficult result. The Diables Rouges lost 1-0 to Namibia in Botswana in their opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The manager had hoped to select a stronger squad, but several players he was targeting were unavailable. Goalkeeper Melvin Zinga encountered administrative problems, while the anticipated return of experienced forward Thievy Bifouma did not happen.

Dual nationals Brayann Pereira, Jordi Mboula and Kevin Mouanga also failed to join the squad, leaving Le Roy and his assistant Omar Daf with a considerable rebuilding task.

Le Roy, who has previously managed Senegal and Cameroon, was discussing his efforts to recruit players based in Europe when he disclosed the alleged demands. However, no names have been provided, meaning it is not possible to establish which players or agents he was referring to.

The comments also raise questions about any players who might agree to such an arrangement. Without evidence identifying those involved, responsibility cannot be determined, but players would remain accountable for their own decisions if they sought payment to represent the country of their parents.

Congo’s sporting situation is becoming increasingly urgent. The team have not won a match for two years and are currently 134th in the FIFA rankings, just 10 places above their worst-ever position of 144th, recorded in 2011.

Le Roy and Daf must now try to change that run quickly. Their next opponents are Cameroon on Tuesday, the strongest challenge in the group, although Congo will have home advantage.

A second successive defeat would leave the Diables Rouges with no points after two matches and in a particularly difficult position in the race to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Before any wider rebuilding programme can begin, Le Roy must find results and persuade the best available players to represent Congo but not, he insists, for 40,000 euros.