DRC and AS Monaco Face French Court Over Alleged Embezzlement

Paris, February 19, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and French football club AS Monaco have been taken to court in France over allegations of embezzlement and corruption related to a cooperation agreement signed in June 2025. The agreement aimed to promote the DRC internationally, develop football talent, and advance the sport in the country. However, concerns quickly arose among Congolese citizens over the legality and transparency of the deal. Legal Action Initiated by Congolese Residents in France Two Congolese residents in France, requesting anonymity, filed a lawsuit with the help of lawyer Hervé Diakiese, prompting the French Public Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) to review the case. The complaint alleges that the agreement involved corruption, misuse of public funds, and bribery. The complaint specifically cites irregularities linked to the DRC Minister of Sports and Recreation, Didier Budimbu, in relation to the payment of €4.8 million (≈8.3 billion Rwandan francs) over three years. Although the complaint was initially addressed to the Attorney General of Monaco, Stéphane Thibault, the PNF noted that it lacks jurisdiction to prosecute certain international crimes, prompting Diakiese to consider escalating the case to other courts. AS Monaco and Other Clubs Respond AS Monaco has stated that it will defend itself vigorously, emphasizing that due diligence and legal compliance were followed before signing the contract. Other European clubs involved in similar agreements with the DRC, including FC Barcelona and AC Milan, are also part of the investigation. The case has drawn attention to the governance and oversight of public funds in international sports partnerships, raising questions about accountability in agreements involving government and private entities. The proceedings are ongoing, and the next steps could set a precedent for cross-border accountability in sports and public funding.