Influencer ‘Spreen’ gets in game for Argentine club Riestra; publicity stunt sparks Argentina FA investigation [Video]

Deportivo Riestra are facing an investigated by the Argentine Soccer Association (AFA) after “lacking respect for soccer” by starting streamer “Spreen” against Velez Sarsfield on Monday. Ivan Buhajeruk is a social media influencer who goes by the name of his alter ego and crucially boasts upwards of eight million subscribers on YouTube and above five million Instagram followers.

Spreen has never played professional soccer, but started against Argentine topflight leaders Velez as an attacker with head coach Cristian Fabbiani waiting all of 50 seconds before substituting the 24-year-old before he could even touch the ball. Deportivo Riestra have a history of marketing stunts and not only handed Buhajeruk a professional contract, but also registered him with the AFA back in February.

Spreen trained with the team last Tuesday and the club have defended their actions as help towards their main sponsor which is an energy drink company. …