China’s governing football body says Paulinho “needs to exercise self-discipline and be careful about his image and be a positive example”. Photo: Xinhua
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https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2087974/paulinho-under-fire-china-over-ads-porn-star Football
Paulinho under fire in China over ads with porn star
Brazilian soccer international, who plays for Guangzhou Evergrande, criticised after promoting betting company with Japanese adult film figure
Brazil and Guangzhou Evergrande’s Paulinho is in hot water over promoting a betting company with a porn star. Photo: AFP
Brazilian international Paulinho was chastised on Saturday by the Chinese Football Association (CFA) after promoting a betting company with a porn star – two sectors banned in China.
In the photographs online that have been an embarrassment for his club, Guangzhou Evergrande, Paulinho, smiling and clutching a wad of cash, is shown standing next to a woman in a white bikini top and shorts.
According to the Chinese media, the woman with the former Tottenham player is Tsukasa Aoi, a Japanese adult film star.
The CFA has condemned the “illegal activities” and called for the Brazilian to “respect the rules” in a statement on its website.
Gambling and casinos are illegal in mainland China, as is the sale of pornographic films.
The body said Paulinho, 28, had never asked permission from his club to collaborate with a betting company.
“The club has already chastised the player and demanded he end his collaboration with the company immediately,” it added.
Sina Sports, a Chinese website, cited an “assistant” to Paulinho as saying the footballer didn’t know Tsukasa Aoi was an adult film star.
The Brazilian had done publicity for a betting company based in the Philippines and it was not supposed to be shown in China, it said.
Sina Sports said Paulinho is considering suing the company for broadcasting the images without his permission.