The €4.8 million sponsorship deal between AS Monaco and the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been put on hold as French authorities launch a formal investigation into potential financial misconduct.
The agreement, officially announced in July 2025, was designed to feature the “DR Congo, Heart of Africa” brand on the sleeves of Monaco’s jerseys.
However, concerns over corruption, money laundering, and embezzlement of public funds have prompted the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) to step in.
Investigators are reportedly scrutinising the traceability of the funds provided by the Congolese Ministry of Sports and the financial channels used to transfer the money.
“The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) has requested the urgent transfer of the case file to the judicial authorities of the Principality of Monaco,” a statement confirmed.
The request reflects serious doubts over whether the partnership was solely a sporting sponsorship or a potential front for financial irregularities between Kinshasa and Monaco.
The suspension of the naming rights contract marks a sudden pause in a deal that had been expected to boost the profile of the DRC brand in Europe.
Until the investigation concludes, Monaco will not display the DR Congo branding on its kit, and the contractual relationship remains frozen.
The PNF’s investigation underscores increasing scrutiny of international sports sponsorships, particularly where public funds are involved.
By following the money trail, authorities aim to determine whether any misappropriation occurred and whether the agreement complied with legal and financial regulations.
No Monaco club officials or DRC government representatives have issued further comments while the inquiry is ongoing.
The case highlights the growing intersection of sport and governance, as football clubs increasingly face legal and financial oversight when engaging in international partnerships.
The outcome of this investigation could have wide-reaching implications for sports sponsorships involving public funds, particularly in cases where transparency and accountability are called into question.
