Congo’s application to host Trophée des Champions rejected | OneFootball

According to RMC Sport, the LFP has rejected a proposal from the Democratic Republic of Congo to host the Trophée des Champions this summer.

Since 2023, Congo has made it clear that it would like to host France’s annual curtain-raiser. Last October they had invited a delegation from the league to visit the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium, with the view that it could host the 2023 edition of the Trophée des Champions.

The organisational chaos surrounding this year’s competition had opened the door for the African nation, and despite the game eventually being held in the Parc des Princes, they were keen to continue their progress.

In January, they began the application for the 2024 edition, which is to be held this summer, and in April provided their spending commitments to the league.

With this in mind, Congo believed they had made significant progress in realising their ambition. However, this month they were surprised to discover that the LFP had rejected their application, and were frustrated that they had not provided them any explanation for why they had come to this decision.

Thierry Braillard representing the country stated to RMC Sport, that they were confused “by this rejection even though they followed the entire procedure” adding that they feel “legitimately aggrieved and maintain their candidacy.”

The interests of PSG favoured in the LFP’s decision against Congo?

RMC Sport alleges that the participation of Paris Saint-Germain in the competition has led to the league rejecting the African nation, with the organisation said to be prioritising the league champions in their decision-making.

The paper suggests that the LFP would prefer the competition to take place either in Côte d’Ivoire or more preferably in China (where PSG will likely be having a summer tour). A source from within the league speaking to the paper allegedly stated: “Qatar has very good relations with Congo, a friendly country whose president is also a big fan of PSG… [the] commercial interests of PSG would not be maximised with this option when compared to the Asian offers.”

Furthermore, they allege that the French state has told the LFP that it would welcome the league holding the Trophée des Champions in China, especially since this is the year that the two countries will celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

PSG have refused to provide RMC Sport with a comment on the subject.

GFFN | Nick Hartland