AS Monaco are facing potential legal trouble after the Monaco Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a preliminary investigation into a partnership signed with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The probe concerns suspected corruption, money laundering and embezzlement of public funds linked to a contract concluded in June 2025, reportedly worth €4.8 million over three years. The agreement aimed to promote Congolese tourism through the club’s international exposure in European competitions.
According to information revealed by L’Équipe, the investigation was triggered by a complaint filed in September by two Congolese nationals living in France, who question the conditions under which the deal was signed and the use of public money.
Alleged opacity in government-backed contracts
The complaint targets the Congolese Minister of Sports, Didier Budimbu, accused of negotiating and signing the contract without a public tender or clear budgetary validation. The minister has firmly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the agreement followed proper government procedures. AS Monaco, for their part, say they carried out all standard checks before signing and maintain that the partnership complied with regulations.
Despite these assurances, Monegasque magistrates deemed the elements sufficient to warrant an investigation, which is now being conducted by specialized financial services.
The case could widen further, as the Democratic Republic of Congo has also signed similar image-rights agreements with other major European clubs, raising broader questions about the transparency of such state-funded partnerships.
The post AS Monaco and DR Congo deal under judicial investigation first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
