Francesco Totti’s Moscow Visit for Betting Promotion Sparks Controversy

Moscow: AS Roma and Italy legend Francesco Totti arrived in Moscow on Monday for a promotional event organized by Bookmaker Ratings, a major Russian sports and betting portal. The visit has stirred some controversy back in Italy.

According to Ansa News Agency, a video of Totti’s arrival at the airport was shared on the organizers’ Instagram profile. At the event, Totti is set to receive the RB Award, which has previously been awarded to football stars such as Brazilian Cafu and Portuguese Figo.

In the run-up to the event, billboards in Moscow displayed Totti’s image with the phrase “The Emperor goes to the Third Rome,” referring to Moscow. The former AS Roma captain and Italy forward had previously stated his intention to visit Moscow “as a man of sport,” but mentioned he would decline if asked by a competent body.

The announcement of Totti as the guest of honor at the International RB Award has been met with criticism from some fans and politicians, particularly due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Bookmaker Ratings CEO Asker Tkhalidzhokov revealed to the business daily Vedomosti that Totti’s participation cost a six-figure sum in euros, marking the largest expense for the award established in 2019.

Tkhalidzhokov acknowledged that the reactions in Italy, although controversial, generated significant attention for the event. He described it as a PR success, noting the extensive coverage in Italian media. However, due to concerns over potential pressure on Totti, certain activities planned for Rome were canceled to avoid further political tension. Tkhalidzhokov remarked that while the cancellation might have reduced excitement, it was a necessary step given the current climate.