Argentine first division football club Deportivo Riestra will have to pay a AR$20 million (just over US$17,000 at the MEP rate) fine after including a videogame streamer as a player in a professional game. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced the decision on Tuesday.

Streamer Iván Buhajeruk, better known as Spreen, was listed in Riestra’s starting lineup for a Liga Profesional match against Vélez Sársfield on November 11, 2024. Buhajeruk, who isn’t a professional footballer nor is part of the club’s youth setup, played just 59 seconds before a teammate forced a foul to allow for him to be subbed off.

The move proved highly controversial. Vélez Sarsfield striker Braian Romero called it a “wrong message to society.” It also drew criticism from Argentina men’s national football team head coach Lionel Scaloni and 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Valdano. 

Buhajeruk’s debut also raised suspicions of links to illegal gambling, with the Buenos Aires City prosecutor’s office launching an investigation. 

According to club officials, the decision was based purely on a marketing strategy. “[Buhajeruk’s inclusion] was a one time only thing,” Fabbiani told Radio La Red in November, adding he had phoned Vélez coach Gustavo Quinteros before the game to let him know he meant no disrespect.

“I was given a once in a lifetime opportunity and took it,” Buhajeruk said days after the game. “I didn’t rob anyone of their spot. I want to apologize to anyone who felt disrespected.”

The streamer and influencer currently has over five million followers on his Instagram account, while his YouTube channel — where he uploaded a video documenting the experience — has over 7.8 million subscribers.

On Tuesday, AFA’s Ethics Committee determined that the move was a “breach of good faith” and “compromised the reputation of Argentine football in the global scene.” The sanction also gave a formal warning to both Fabbiani and Buhajeruk for their involvement and demanded the club release a public apology.

Riestra quickly accepted responsibility and lamented the “bad reception” Buhajeruk’s debut had, pledging that similar situations will happen again.