Mexico return SteveWillDoIt Rolex gifts amid FIFA rules concern

Mexico’s national team returned Rolex watches given to players and staff by American content creator SteveWillDoIt. The move was reportedly made to avoid possible FIFA sanctions over accepting high-value gifts from a fan.

According to the source report, Stephen Deleonardis, known online as SteveWillDoIt, said he bought watches worth $1 million in total before Mexico’s match against Ecuador. The report also says Mexico later won that game 2-0, and that video showed players celebrating with Deleonardis after learning about the gifts.

The key issue is not the gesture itself, but whether such a valuable gift could fall foul of FIFA ethics rules. The source cites FIFA’s Code of Ethics and says gifts without symbolic value may expose players or staff to fines or bans, though the precise application of those rules should be verified against primary FIFA documentation.

Mexico are also reported to be preparing for a Round of 16 match against England at Estadio Azteca. For editors, the broader angle is how national teams should manage interactions with influencers and wealthy fans during major tournaments.