Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard could be in hot water after becoming an ambassador for a blacklisted gambling company in his homeland.
Hazard, 35, is global ambassador for Stake and shared an introductory video of their partnership with his 27 million followers on Instagram.
But advertising for gambling is strictly prohibited in Belgium, where Hazard is from.
The Belgian Gaming Commission are set to investigate the matter after the legendary former player’s association with Stake was announced.
Stefaan Savenberg, a spokesman for the Commission, said: ‘We will examine whether the advertising by Eden Hazard is targeting the Belgian market. Advertising for gambling is prohibited in Belgium.’
If they they decide Hazard is indeed targeting the Belgian market then he will be given a formal notice to cut ties with Stake.
Eden Hazard is to be investigated in Belgium for his association with betting company Stake
‘If this does not happen, a sanction could be considered,’ Savenberg added.
Stake is one of the companies on the Belgian Gaming Commission’s blacklist, as with and do not have a licence to operate in the country.
In 2021, The Belgian Gaming Commission blacklisted around 20 more operators, including Stake.
The basis for blacklisting is the absence of a required licensing – meaning it is illegal to operate in the jurisdiction of Belgium.
Hazard is among a stable of former players to work in an ambassadorial role for the company, including Iker Casillas, Sergio Aguero and Patrice Evra.
Upon joining up with them, he said: ‘I am looking forward to connecting with fans in meaningful new ways and sharing, with Stake, moments of adrenaline and the pure joy of football.’
Hazard is in the Premier League Hall of Fame after scoring 85 goals for the club in England’s top flight and helping the Blues to six major trophies over seven years.
He moved to Real Madrid but injuries and a lack of form led to a disappointing spell and the winger retired from playing in 2023.
Hazard is now only seen back on the pitch in charity matches and was in action at Match for Hope back in January.
It was the third charity match of its kind after the first instalment in 2024, and the initiatives are believed to have raised more than £15million for disadvantaged children across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
