Mexico forced to return $1m in Rolex watches gifted by YouTuber Stevewilldoit after FIFA ethics rule
The Mexican Football Federation stepped in after Stephen Deleonardis, known as Stevewilldoit, handed out $1 million worth of Rolex watches to players and staff, citing FIFA's Code of Ethics.
The gift
American YouTuber Stephen Deleonardis, who goes by Stevewilldoit, spent $1 million (about £747,000 or €870,000) on Rolex watches for every player and member of staff of Mexico's national team. He had bet $2 million on Mexico beating Ecuador in the round of 32 and, according to Italian agency ANSA, travelled to Mexico City to hand out the watches after collecting his winnings. Other outlets, including the BBC, report that he presented the watches when he met the squad on Monday, the day before the victory over Ecuador.
- Stevewilldoit bets $2 million on Mexico to beat Ecuador in the round of 32.
- Mexico defeat Ecuador to advance to the last 16.
- Deleonardis presents $1m in Rolex watches to players and staff (reports differ on whether this was before or after the match).
- The Mexican Football Federation cites Article 21 of FIFA's Code of Ethics, which limits gifts to symbolic or trivial value.
- Players unanimously agree to return the watches, the federation announces on X.
The reaction
Mexican media described the players as "surprised and enthusiastic" when they received the watches. They lifted Deleonardis into the air in a celebration reminiscent of a goal scored on the pitch. The squad is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup and had just secured a place in the last 16.
FIFA's code
FIFA's Code of Ethics restricts the offering and acceptance of gifts. Article 21 states that such gifts can only be offered or accepted if they "have symbolic or trivial value". The rule is designed to prevent corruption risks linked to betting.
The return
The Mexican Football Federation intervened to avoid a potential violation. In a post on X, the federation said the players had decided "by mutual agreement" to return the watches, adding that Stevewilldoit had gifted them "on his own initiative". The squad handed back the timepieces, which had a combined value of $1 million.
By mutual agreement, our players have decided to return to the content creator the watches he had given them of his own free will.
What's next
Mexico face England at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday evening local time. A win would put them into the quarter-finals for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 1986.
