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Since 2019, Paris Saint-Germain has been working on its jerseys the slogan “Visit Rwanda”. This sponsorship partnership, which is supposed to promote tourism in the country of a thousand hills, would bring about 15 million euros per season to the Parisian club. But as the security situation deteriorates in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this agreement becomes more and more controversial. A simple marketing operation? Not for some elected officials, who see it as a pact heavy with ethical consequences.
This Wednesday, four deputies of rebellious France publicly asked PSG to end this collaboration. For them, the club can no longer ignore that the Rwandan regime is accused of supporting armed groups responsible for massacres, rape and looting in the Kivu region. “PSG cannot continue to promote an accomplice state of thousands of deaths”,
They denounce in a press release. An event is also planned near the Parc des Princes this Sunday, to claim the end of this partnership.
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Nasser al-Khelaïfi at the heart of the rwanda-PSG controversy
What elected officials point is the well -oiled mechanics of
“Sportwashing”. By associating with world renowned clubs like PSG, Rwanda tries to restore its international image, despite the repeated accusations on its involvement in armed violence in the Congo. For the regime detractors, this type of partnership amounts to trivializing horror in exchange for a few million euros. And Paris, as a showcase club, finds itself on the front line.
Explosive controversy: PSG summoned to break with Rwanda!
The controversy is not only hexagonal. Last February, the Congolese Foreign Minister also challenged PSG, but also Arsenal and Bayern Munich, also linked to Rwanda. In a striking letter, she evoked the “Innumerable lost lives”calling clubs to “Find a minimum of humanity”. Can football wash his hands with what he endorses in silence?
PSG has not, for the time being, issued no official reaction. But the voices are increasingly numerous to require rapid disengagement. Because beyond sporting results or brand image, the Parisian club now plays its moral credibility. At a time when sponsors want to be responsible, the link with a state accused of atrocities becomes indefensible.
Written by:
Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
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