The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder has landed himself in hot water following his ambassadorial role with the unlicensed Vietnamese sports betting and online gambling firm in Denmark
Ghana legend Michael Essien is in TROUBLE after engaging himself in the advertisement of an illegal Vietnamese online casino Rikvip, according to a report in the Danish media.
The iconic retired midfield enforcer, who is currently carving a niche in coaching with Danish Superligaen side FC Nordsjælland, has been caught off guard by the media reportage after learning the veracity of the news from the Denmark's most-watched television channel TV2.
Per the media outlet, the Right to Dream Park outfit assistant coach has been acting as the ambassador of the illegal sports betting and online gambling firm operating in Denmark since April 2026.
Furthermore, the report adds that Essien's collaboration with Rikvip is a total violation of the Danish Football Association (DBU) code of conduct, which states that; coaches and players may not have direct or indirect financial interests in betting companies.
However, it's understood that, the former Lyon man has for the past seven months shot several advertisements for the betting company on their Facebook page.
Fast-forward, the Danish state-owned television channel has claimed that, Essien has offered an apology when his attention was drawn over the illegal activities and has promised to end his collaboration with Rikvip with immediate effect as such acts violate FIFA and DBU rules.
''I would never knowingly do anything that violates the laws and regulations of football,'' the 43-year-old is quoted as saying in a written response by TV2 when they reached out to him regarding the pertinent issues.
The Odense-based media outfit said the Danish Football Association (DBU) has been tight-lipped as to whether they would pursue the matter to the Football Disciplinary Body.
The 'Bulldozer' as affectionately being called by fans during his active playing days, boasts of an illustrious trophy-laden career with Lyon and Chelsea, with Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions, Premier League, FA Cup, FA Community Shield and UEFA Champions League all being savoured in France and England before retiring from football.
On the international stage, Essien has won 59 caps including two FIFA World Cups (2006 and 2014) for the Ghana national football team, with 9 goals to his name.
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