Congo coach Claude Le Roy condemns agents demanding €40,000 for players to join team for qualifiers

Congo Red Devils manager Claude Le Roy has strongly condemned what he described as disturbing practices involving some players’ agents, claiming that certain representatives have demanded substantial sums of money for African internationals to make themselves available for national team duty.

The French coach made the comments during a press conference, where he expressed his frustration over what he believes is an increasing problem affecting national teams across African football.

Without naming the agents or players involved, Le Roy revealed that some representatives have allegedly gone as far as demanding nearly €40,000 simply for a player to report for international duty and represent his country.

The veteran coach admitted that he was shocked when he first encountered the practice, particularly because the demands were not related to a transfer or club contract but rather to a player joining his national team for a match.

“Some agents, I won’t name names, have demanded considerable sums of money for certain players to come. And when I say ‘considerable’, I think you’ll find them considerable: we’re talking about nearly 40,000 euros, simply to come and play a match for the national team,” Le Roy said.

“I didn’t even know such a thing existed, but that’s what’s happening today.”

Le Roy believes such demands can create unnecessary complications for national teams and potentially interfere with players’ ability to represent their countries.

The Congo coach also questioned the motives of some agents, accusing them of placing their own financial interests ahead of the careers of the players they represent.

According to Le Roy, some players are being poorly advised by people who do not necessarily have their long-term interests at heart.

“Some players are so badly advised. These are people who don’t have the player’s best interests at heart, who don’t even think about the country’s interests because, on top of that, they aren’t from the same country as the player,” he added.

“So they couldn’t care less about the Republic of the Congo and are simply looking to make the most of it.”

The comments highlight the complicated relationship that can sometimes exist between national teams, players and their representatives, particularly when it comes to international call-ups.

For national team coaches, securing the availability of key players is already a major challenge because of club commitments, injuries, travel and competition for places. Le Roy’s allegations suggest that financial demands from representatives could add another layer of difficulty to the process.

The experienced coach’s remarks have also raised questions about the influence agents can have over international players and the decisions they make regarding their national teams.

Le Roy did not identify the agents or players involved and did not provide further details about the alleged demands, but his revelation of a figure approaching €40,000 has brought the issue into sharp focus.

For the Congo Red Devils manager, representing a national team should not become an opportunity for intermediaries to seek substantial personal payments, particularly when the player’s country and national team are involved.

His comments underline his concern that players should receive advice that serves both their professional development and their responsibilities to their countries rather than decisions being driven primarily by financial interests.