Aston Villa have reportedly upset Johan Manzambi’s representatives with their Visit Rwanda deal. Villa recently announced Visit Rwanda as their principal partner, official tourism partner and official coffee provider. The Switzerland international is in advanced talks to join the Midlands club after snubbing Newcastle United, but a move to Villa Park could be threatened due to their latest partnership. Mazambi was born in Switzerland to parents from Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda are believed to be sponsoring a genocide in Eastern DR Congo.
Eastern DR Congo borders Rwanda, and Arsenal had to end their partnership with Visit Rwanda as a result. Manzambi’s camp certainly are not happy about him joining Villa given they now have Visit Rwanda in front of their shirts. Wearing the shirt will not be a good look on the midfielder, but it is unknown whether it is big enough to be a deal breaker. Newcastle United will be monitoring the situation as they have yet to give up their pursuit of the World Cup star.
Villa upset his camp though with the Rwanda sponsor. Not sure if its big enough to be a deal breaker but his camp certainly are not happy about it.
— HandofArsenal (@HandofArsenal) July 14, 2026
Aston Villa is pleased to announce Visit Rwanda as the club’s Principal Partner, Official Tourism Partner and Official Coffee Provider. 🤝
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 14, 2026
Manzambi and his representatives were not aware Villa were in talks with Visit Rwanda over a sponsorship deal. It would have ended talks before they started, and they now have to make a decision in the coming days. He could excuse himself from sponsor events, but wearing a jersey with Visit Rwanda on its front is not something he might be comfortable doing.
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