A recent scandal involving a pyramid scheme has implicated several football icons, including Ronaldinho, Vinicius Junior, and Luis Figo. The scheme, related to a cryptocurrency business called Omegapro, promised investors significant returns but ultimately failed to deliver. The founders of the scheme, Robert Velghe and Andreas Szakacs, have been arrested in Turkey, while others involved, including footballers and former footballers, could potentially face legal action.
One investor, Dolores from Catalunya, shared her story of losing €18k in the scheme. Omegapro’s strategy included hosting events with high-profile footballers to attract investors and gain legitimacy. The business was registered in various countries, with headquarters in the UAE, where the government’s involvement has been called into question.
Swedish investigator Lars Oloffson has stated that legal complaints will be filed in a UK lawsuit against footballers who were associated with Omegapro in any way. Events featuring football stars like Fernando Hierro, Roberto Carlos, and others have raised suspicions, with some claiming they were unaware of the scheme’s activities. Despite this, their involvement in promoting Omegapro has raised concerns and could lead to legal consequences.
In addition to the Omegapro scandal, other footballers like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar Junior have been involved in promoting cryptocurrencies through fan tokens and NFTs. La Liga clubs have also entered partnerships with cryptocurrency businesses, signaling a growing trend in the football industry.
The intersection of sports and cryptocurrency has raised questions about transparency, accountability, and ethical practices within the industry. As more footballers and clubs engage with digital assets, it becomes crucial to ensure that fans and investors are protected from potential scams and fraudulent activities. The Omegapro scandal serves as a reminder of the risks involved in high-profile endorsements and the importance of due diligence in such partnerships.
Moving forward, regulators, governing bodies, and individuals must work together to establish clear guidelines and safeguards to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. By fostering greater transparency and accountability, the sports industry can uphold its integrity and protect the interests of all stakeholders involved.