Deportivo Riestra, an Argentine football club, is facing strong criticism for what has been termed a “disrespectful act towards the integrity of football,” following their decision to field a YouTube influencer as a striker in a high-stakes Primera Division match.
Ivan Buhajeruk, widely recognized by his online persona Spreen, made his debut in a home fixture against top-tier leaders Velez Sarsfield on Monday, but his appearance was short-lived as he was substituted out under a minute into the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
At just 24 years old, Buhajeruk has yet to gain any previous experience in professional football, yet he was awarded a contract with the Buenos Aires club earlier this year, in February.
With an impressive following of over seven million subscribers on YouTube, Buhajeruk also promotes an energy drink brand that serves as the shirt sponsor for Deportivo Riestra, raising further questions about the motivations behind his selection.
Velez forward Braian Romero did not hold back his contempt, stating: “It was a lack of respect towards football and what that represents for countless aspiring athletes.”
Juan Sebastian Veron, a legendary midfielder with stints at Manchester United and Chelsea, expressed deep disappointment over the incident, calling it a “total lack of respect for football and the dedication of footballers.” He questioned what kind of message this sends to young players trying to make their mark in the sport.
The Argentine Football Association has taken notice, announcing an investigation into the events, as they may violate the organization’s established code of ethics.
In defense of the decision, Riestra coach Cristian Fabbiani stated in an interview that it was never his intention to offend anyone and recalled a lighthearted conversation with Velez coach Gustavo Quinteros about the unusual choice before the match commenced.
Fabbiani explained, “It’s something contractual that was signed a long time ago, and given that the club relies heavily on publicity and sponsorships, this was likely a one-off event.”
**Interview with Sports Analyst Maria Gómez on Deportivo Riestra’s Controversial Move**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Deportivo Riestra has made headlines by fielding YouTube influencer Ivan Buhajeruk, also known as Spreen, in a crucial match against Velez Sarsfield. Why do you think this decision has sparked such strong criticism?
**Maria Gómez:** Thank you for having me. The decision to field a YouTube influencer in a high-stakes match has raised eyebrows because it plays into the perception that clubs might prioritize publicity over integrity. Many fans and analysts believe that using someone without any professional football experience undermines the competitive spirit of the game. It’s especially controversial in a league where every point counts.
**Editor:** Ivan Buhajeruk was substituted less than a minute into the game. How did his participation impact the team, both during the match and in the broader context of football?
**Maria Gómez:** His very brief appearance likely had minimal impact on the game’s outcome itself, but it did serve as a major distraction. It could shift focus away from the team’s actual performance and tactics, drawing attention to the choice of player rather than the game. In a broader context, it raises concerns about the message it sends to aspiring athletes and the seriousness of professional football, potentially setting a precedent for similar moves in the future.
**Editor:** Do you think this trend of social media influencers entering professional sports will become more common?
**Maria Gómez:** It could become more common, especially if clubs see any kind of marketing or financial benefit from these decisions. However, whether it will be accepted by fans, players, and analysts is another question. There’s a fine line between engaging with popular culture and maintaining the sport’s integrity. Fans want to see skilled and dedicated athletes representing their teams, not just figures who bring online followings.
**Editor:** What do you think Deportivo Riestra should do moving forward to address this backlash?
**Maria Gómez:** The club needs to acknowledge the criticism and communicate its vision clearly. It should focus on building a strong team with players who have the requisite skills and experience. Engaging with the community and recognizing the values that football embodies—like hard work and dedication—will be essential in restoring faith in the club’s direction. Transparency about their decision-making process will also go a long way in mending relationships with disgruntled fans.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Maria. It will be interesting to see how Deportivo Riestra navigates this situation in the coming weeks.
**Maria Gómez:** Thank you for having me! It’s definitely a situation worth watching.
