The news of Francesco Totti, the legendary former captain of Roma, participating in a promotional event in Moscow for Betsson Sport, the betting agency he represents in Italy, has sparked a massive political controversy. The event, scheduled to take place at the Palace of Gymnastics on April 8, marks the one-year anniversary of Totti’s collaboration with the Swedish agency, which is also the main sponsor of Inter, with an annual contract worth 30 million euros. As the capital of Russia is currently flooded with advertisements featuring the slogan “The Emperor will return to the third Rome,” complete with an image of Totti wearing the club’s jersey and his iconic number 10, the Italian star has found himself at the center of a heated debate.
The promotional campaign has been making waves, with large billboards plastered across Moscow featuring Totti’s image and the aforementioned slogan, which references one of the city’s historical nicknames from the era of the Russian Empire. This has led to widespread criticism, with many taking to social media to express their disapproval. As one Twitter user, @anubi77787292, pointed out, the city is filled with “large pink billboards with a photo of Totti and the writing in Russian ‘The emperor is returning to the third Rome’.” The tweet, which includes a picture of one such billboard, has been shared widely, further fueling the controversy.
“Stay on the right side of history!”
Andrea Massaroni, the coordinator of the +Europa agency in Rome, has urged Totti to cancel his trip, citing the Italian football legend’s status as a symbol of generosity, heart, and positive values. “Francesco Totti represents for Rome, for Italy, and for millions of people around the world much more than a great sports champion,” Massaroni said. “He is a symbol of generosity, heart, and positive values. That’s why we’re making a sincere and affectionate appeal to him: Francesco, Rome loves you for your generosity and dedication. Don’t let these values be associated with those who disrespect human rights and democracy. Stay on the right side of history!” Massaroni’s plea has been echoed by many, who believe that Totti’s presence in Moscow would be seen as an endorsement of the Russian regime’s actions.
The criticism has been widespread, with many fans and public figures speaking out against Totti’s decision to participate in the event. As Yevgeny Yanovich, a Ukrainian actor, screenwriter, and TV presenter, put it, “Many of us fall in love with the image of a person, not the person themselves. And then it hits us like a hammer to the head. Genius and talent can’t mask the absurdity of the mind and the weakness of morals. A football player I loved so much in my life has turned out to be…” The backlash has been so intense that Totti is now reportedly considering canceling his trip to Moscow. With the event just around the corner, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but one thing is certain – Totti’s decision will have far-reaching consequences, both for his reputation and for the world of football as a whole.
The controversy surrounding Totti’s trip to Moscow has also sparked a wider debate about the role of sports in politics and the responsibility of athletes to take a stand on human rights issues. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Totti and other athletes respond to the criticism and whether they will use their platforms to speak out against injustice. For now, the fate of Totti’s trip to Moscow remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – the world is watching, and the consequences of his decision will be felt far beyond the football pitch.