Brussels – Former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard is facing a potential legal inquiry in Belgium following his recent endorsement deal with online betting company Stake. The Commission des jeux de hasard (Belgian Gambling Commission) has opened an investigation into whether Hazard’s promotional activities target the Belgian market, where Stake is prohibited.
The investigation, first reported by Het Laatste Nieuws, centers on whether Hazard’s advertising for Stake violates Belgian law, which forbids the promotion of gambling services not licensed within the country. Stake, although operating legally in other jurisdictions like the United Kingdom, is on Belgium’s blacklist of illegal gambling operators.
Hazard, who recently announced his partnership with Stake, joins a roster of high-profile football ambassadors for the company, including former stars Sergio Agüero and Iker Casillas. The Commission’s concern isn’t necessarily Hazard’s global role, but whether his promotional work inadvertently reaches Belgian residents.
According to Stefaan Savenberg, a spokesperson for the Belgian Gambling Commission, the inquiry will begin on Monday. “We are going to examine whether the advertising made by Eden Hazard targets the Belgian market,” Savenberg told RTBF. “In Belgium, We see forbidden to advertise gambling.”
If the Commission determines a violation has occurred, Hazard will receive a formal notice demanding he terminate his role as a Stake ambassador. Failure to comply could result in sanctions. “If this does not happen, a sanction could be considered,” Savenberg added, as reported by RTL.be.
The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny of athlete endorsements within the gambling industry. While many footballers and other athletes have partnered with betting companies, the legality of these endorsements varies significantly by country. Belgium has taken a particularly strict stance, aiming to protect its citizens from the potential harms associated with unregulated gambling.
Stake is also a prominent sponsor in other sports, notably as a shirt sponsor for Premier League club Everton and previously in Formula 1 with Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber (now Audi). This broader presence adds another layer to the scrutiny surrounding Hazard’s endorsement deal.
It’s important to note that Hazard himself has indicated on his Instagram account that Stake is not available in Belgium. However, the Commission will assess whether this disclaimer is sufficient to prevent Belgian residents from being exposed to the advertising. The investigation will likely focus on the reach and targeting of Hazard’s promotional content.
This isn’t the first time a high-profile athlete has faced scrutiny over gambling endorsements. The increasing prevalence of these partnerships has prompted calls for greater regulation and transparency within the sports industry. The outcome of the investigation into Eden Hazard’s deal with Stake could set a precedent for future athlete endorsements in Belgium and potentially influence regulations elsewhere.
Hazard’s next scheduled appearance is with the Belgium national team for their upcoming friendly matches in June. The results of the Commission’s investigation are expected before then and could potentially impact his availability for selection, though that remains speculative at this time. Archysport will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
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