Argentina's gaming regulator has launched an investigation into potential illegal betting activity after YouTuber Ivan "Spreen" Buhajeruk made an unexpected debut in a Primera Division soccer match.

Buhajeruk, a 24-year-old influencer with 9 million followers, played just 50 seconds as a striker for Deportivo Riestra against Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield before being substituted. He didn't touch the ball during his brief appearance in the match, which ended 1-1.

The Specialized Prosecutor on Gambling is investigating whether coach Cristian Fabbiani and Buhajeruk intended to attract illegal gambling activity. Multiple betting sites, including BetWarrior, BPlay, and Betsson, offered odds on Spreen's performance after his surprise inclusion was announced one hour before kickoff.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also opened an ethics investigation to determine if Deportivo damaged the reputation and integrity of Argentine football. AFA President Claudio Tapia criticized the stunt, noting its insensitivity to aspiring players who never reach professional status.

Spreen later apologized on social media, stating: "I was given the anecdote of my life and, of course, I accepted it. I didn't take anyone's place. If anyone felt that we disrespected them in any way, I want to apologize. That was not our intention."

While the event was reportedly a marketing campaign for an energy drink, authorities are particularly concerned about betting activity on unlicensed platforms, as Argentina regulates online gambling on a province-by-province basis.

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