Mexico returns Rolex watches amid FIFA concerns
Mexico has returned a number of luxury Rolex watches that were gifted to members of its World Cup squad following their 2-0 victory over Ecuador, addressing fears of a potential breach of FIFA regulations, reports BritPanorama.
The watches were presented by content creator SteveWillDoIt, whose real name is Stephen Rocco Deleonardis, as a celebration of his $1.2 million win on a $2 million bet on Mexico’s progression in the tournament. This gesture quickly gained traction on social media but soon raised questions regarding FIFA’s Code of Ethics, which governs the acceptance of gifts by players and officials.
In light of these concerns, the Mexican players reached a consensus to return the gifts. The Mexican Football Association confirmed this decision via a statement on X, indicating, “By mutual agreement, our players decided to return to the content creator the watches that he had gifted them on his own initiative.”
This move aims to sidestep any implications that players might have violated FIFA’s ethical guidelines as they prepare for a significant match against England at the Azteca Stadium. Head coach Javier Aguirre, who also received a watch, returned it along with the rest of the team.
The Rolex incident adds to mounting issues off the field for the Mexican team, as they face confusion over reports suggesting that FIFA was considering altering the kick-off time of their match due to weather concerns. There was frustration among the Mexico camp, particularly as the adjustments had been reported without prior consultation with the teams involved. Aguirre expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that the lack of communication had left him “quite angry.”
Ultimately, FIFA maintained the original schedule, ensuring Mexico and England will clash at 8pm local time (1am BST), with the winners progressing to the quarter-finals to face either Brazil or Norway. The developments highlight the challenges faced by teams beyond the pitch and the often tangled intersection of sport, sponsorship, and governance.
