Italy Soccer Star Totti Mulls Canceling Moscow Trip Amid Controversy
Retired soccer star Francesco Totti is considering canceling his Moscow trip for an event amid criticism that it might serve as a publicity stunt for Putin’s Russia during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Published on March 30, 2025
Former Italian soccer icon Francesco Totti, who retired in 2017, is considering canceling his planned trip to Moscow for the April 8 gala event hosted by Bookmaker Ratings, a Russian sports betting platform. Totti, a figure renowned for promoting the values of sport globally, has stated that he would withdraw if an appropriate authority requested his absence.
The potential cancellation comes amid heightened criticism and political debate, as opposition figures and some fans see the event as a possible publicity stunt for President Putin’s Russia, especially given Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. As reported on March 25, the controversy has intensified with mixed reports about Totti's decision, reflecting the broader sensitivities surrounding sports and politics in today’s climate.