The Mexican national football team members have returned Rolex watches gifted by American vlogger SteveWillDoit (real name Steven Deleonardis).
The team's press service announced this on social media platform X.
All players mutually agreed to return the watches, which the content creator had gifted on his own initiative.
Deleonardis, who has over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, gave each player a Rolex watch before the World Cup round of 16 match against Ecuador, which Mexico won 2-0.
According to the blogger, the total value of the gifts was $1 million. Each watch ranged from $30,000 to $90,000.
Deleonardis explained his gesture by his residence in Mexico and a $2 million bet on Mexico's victory over Ecuador, from which he expected to profit about $1 million.
The Athletic reported that the gifts raised ethical concerns. FIFA's Code of Ethics, Article 21, prohibits accepting gifts that are not of symbolic or trivial value and could influence decisions or cause conflicts of interest.
Violations can lead to fines starting at $12,500 and up to two years of suspension from football-related activities.
Mexico, as one of the World Cup hosts, will face England in the round of 16. The match will start on July 6 at 04:00 Baku time.
