The Mexican national soccer team has returned Rolex watches gifted to them by American content creator SteveWillDoIt due to the prospect of a ban from FIFA.
American YouTuber Stephen Deleonardis, who goes by the alias SteveWillDoIt, said he spent $1 million on Rolex watches for every Mexico player and member of staff just prior to their game against Ecuador.
In a video posted to Instagram, the Mexico players were seen throwing Deleonardis in the air after learning of the gift, which he said he gave to them as motivation for the match, which they later won 2-0.
FIFA rules meant they had to return them
However, FIFA has rules that prohibit players and staff from accepting gifts from fans that do not have some kind of “symbolic or tribal value”. The rules were put in place with the aim of preventing any manipulation regarding a match result, ie. players break rules or create conflict because of obligation.
Article 21 in FIFA’s Code of Ethics explains that violations of such rules can result in a fine of at least $12,500 and a ban from football-related activity for up to two years.
As such, to avoid any punishment, the team posted a statement to X that said by mutual agreement, the players decided to return the watches that SteveWillDoIt had gifted to them on his own initiative.
Mexico are set to play England at their home ground, Estadio Azteca (or Mexico City Stadium) in the competition’s Round of 16.
For more on Mexico’s World Cup campaign, check out our coverage of the Mexican fans who launched fireworks at England’s hotel ahead of their match, or the three people killed in Mexico’s celebrations after their victory against Ecuador.
