Stake and Eden Hazard contract under review in Belgium

In Belgium, the regulator BGC has launched an investigation into the deal between crypto casino Stake and former Chelsea FC and Real Madrid midfielder Eden Hazard after the footballer became a brand ambassador, report the Daily Mail.

Investigation by the Belgian Gaming Commission

Reason for the review

The Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC) began its review after the announcement of Hazard’s partnership with the crypto casino Stake. The footballer posted a video on Instagram introducing the partnership and presenting himself as a global ambassador for the company.

Ban on gambling advertising

Belgium has a strict ban on gambling advertising. For this reason, the regulator is examining whether advertising involving Hazard is targeting audiences in the country.

Commission spokesman Stefaan Savenberg stated that the regulator will check whether the promotion is aimed at the Belgian market.

Possible requirements from the regulator

Risk of contract termination

If the commission determines that the advertising is directed at users in Belgium, the footballer may receive a formal request to terminate his contract with Stake.

Potential sanctions

If the request is not followed, the regulator may consider sanctions.

Status of Stake in Belgium

Lack of licence

The company Stake is listed among operators on the blacklist of the Belgian Gaming Commission. The reason is the absence of a licence to operate in the country.

Expansion of the blacklist

In 2021, the regulator added around 20 operators to this list, including Stake. The basis for blacklisting was the lack of the required authorization to operate in Belgium.

Eden Hazard’s response

Instagram profile update

After reports of the review appeared, Hazard updated the description of his Instagram profile. He clarified that the Stake product is not available to players from Belgium and Spain.

Role as brand ambassador

Hazard joined a group of former footballers working with Stake as brand ambassadors. Similar partnerships were previously signed by Iker Casillas, Sergio Aguero, and Patrice Evra.

Hazard’s career after football

Period at Chelsea

Eden Hazard spent seven years at Chelsea FC. During that time he scored 85 goals in the English Premier League and helped the club win six major trophies.

Move to Real Madrid and retirement

He later moved to Real Madrid, but injuries and a decline in form led to a less successful period at the club. In 2023, Hazard announced his retirement from professional football.

Participation in charity matches

After retiring, Hazard occasionally returns to the pitch in charity matches. In January he took part in the Match for Hope game, which raises funds to support children in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.