In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the Argentinian football club, Deportivo Riestra sparked heated debate and accusations of disrespect by starting a social media influencer in their line-up for a top-flight match against league leaders Vélez Sarsfield on Monday.
Ivan “Spreen” Buhajeruk, a YouTuber with over 8 million subscribers and a huge Instagram following took to the pitch as a striker despite having no prior professional football experience. The 24-year-old influencer’s time on the field was short-lived as he was subbed out after just 50 seconds without touching the ball.
The Buenos Aires-based club, already known for its unorthodox marketing tactics, registered Buhajeruk as a professional in February, with backing from an energy drink sponsor tied to the club’s ownership.
However, reactions have been fierce. Vélez striker Braian Romero, who opened the scoring with a penalty in the 43rd minute, slammed the move as an insult to football. “What happened today was a lack of respect for the game,” Romero stated post-match. “This isn’t what football is about; it’s about trying, failing, and trying again.”
A social media Influencer crossing over to the sporting world is not new but many felt that the Argentinian club took it too far. The usual events are more amateur or feature athletes in individual capacity rather than team sports.
Criticism extended to the upper ranks of Argentinian football, with former national team star Juan Sebastián Verón, now president of Estudiantes de la Plata, voicing his disapproval on Instagram. “A total lack of respect for football and for footballers,” wrote Verón.
Deportivo Riestra’s captain, Milton Celiz, revealed the decision came from club owner Victor Stinfale, who also owns the energy drink sponsor. The club later issued a statement of apology.
Despite the controversy, Deportivo Riestra managed to salvage a point and sits in ninth position with 31 points in their debut top-flight season.