Mexico have been forced to return luxury watches gifted to them by content creator Stevewilldoit, just days before they face England in the World Cup last 16 at the Azteca Stadium.
The American YouTuber, whose real name is Stephen Deleonardis, said he spent $1m (£747,000) on Rolex watches for every Mexico player and member of staff. He presented them to the squad on Monday, the day before Mexico beat Ecuador in the last 32. But Fifa’s Code of Ethics prohibits offering or accepting gifts unless they “have symbolic or trivial value”. In a post on the team’s X account, the Mexico players said they decided to return the watches “by mutual agreement” and that Stevewilldoit had gifted them “on his own initiative”.
“Mexico returned $1m Rolex gifts; England dismiss Viagra altitude claims ahead of World Cup clash.”
The co-hosts now turn their attention to England, who arrive in Mexico City for Sunday’s match at an altitude of 2,200 metres. The conditions have prompted speculation that England might use Viagra – a drug that widens blood vessels in the lungs, helping with high altitude – despite its primary use for erectile dysfunction. The Sun reported that England players would be allowed to use the drug because it is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances.
But England head coach Thomas Tuchel dismissed the suggestion. “The information and the support didn’t reach me. That is not true,” he said. Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson, 36, made a tongue-in-cheek quip: “Well, the Viagra helps… I’m joking, it’s a joke.”
England are looking to build on a dramatic Round of 32 win over DR Congo, where Harry Kane’s double completed a 2-1 comeback. Mexico, meanwhile, are hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since hosting the World Cup in 1986. The match kicks off at 01:00 BST on Monday.