Kinshasa is spending lavishly to support the Leopards. Having already generously rewarded the national team for qualifying for the World Cup, the Congolese government wants to create an environment conducive to strong performances by mobilizing significant financial resources, reports Africa Intelligence.
The Congolese government is actively negotiating with the US Embassy in Kinshasa to facilitate the trip for a small group of fans. Congolese authorities plan to send 200 to 300 supporters to the United States.
Didier Budimbu and Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone (Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs) are leading discussions to facilitate visa processing, particularly given recent US travel restrictions and stringent bond requirements for certain countries. Kinshasa is prepared to spend approximately $1.7 million to secure a batch of 1,000 tickets for the group stage matches. These tickets aim to ensure a visible Congolese presence in the stands for the matches against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. While US embassies offer priority visa appointments to those with official tickets, a ticket does not guarantee entry into the United States.
This expenditure by the Congolese government is part of a comprehensive support budget described as “colossal,” which also includes chartering planes for staff and supporters, as well as accommodation and catering costs.
Ticket sales: Approximately $1.7 million for 1,000 group stage seats.
Match bonuses: Players are expected to receive between $10,000 and $15,000 per match played.
Qualification rewards: Each player has already been awarded a new jeep and a house following the DRC’s historic qualification.
Redaction
