Cristiano Ronaldo Faces $1 Billion Lawsuit Over Binance Ads: Allegations of Misleading Investments

In a surprising turn of events, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself entangled in a class action lawsuit in the United States.

The legal battle revolves around his endorsement of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.

Plaintiffs assert that Ronaldo's promotional activities led them to incur losses in their investments, prompting them to seek damages exceeding $1 billion.

Ronaldo's Binance Partnership and the CR7 NFT Collection

In November 2022, Binance unveiled its first "CR7" collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), a collaboration with Ronaldo.

These virtual assets, representing ownership but existing only digitally, aimed to reward football fans for their unwavering support. Ronaldo, in a social media video, expressed ambitions to revolutionize the NFT game and elevate football to new heights.

The Alleged Impact on Investors

The claimants argue that Ronaldo's endorsement triggered a "500% increase in searches" for Binance, registered in the Cayman Islands.

This surge allegedly led individuals to invest in what the plaintiffs deem "unregistered securities," including Binance's BNB cryptocurrency.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) classifies such assets as securities, necessitating celebrities to adhere to disclosure rules.

SEC's Stance and Ronaldo's Alleged Lack of Disclosure

Gary Gensler, the SEC chair, emphasized the importance of celebrities disclosing payment details when endorsing investment opportunities, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector.

The claimants contend that Ronaldo failed to disclose the compensation he received for promoting Binance, a crucial aspect for investors to make informed decisions.

Broader Issues and Regulatory Responsibilities 

Nigel Green, head of consultancy firm DeVere Group, argues that blaming Ronaldo alone oversimplifies a complex matter.

He calls attention to the slow response of global regulators in establishing clear guidelines for the evolving financial landscape. Green suggests a need to focus on regulatory frameworks to address challenges beyond individual cases.

Future Collaboration and Silence from Ronaldo and Binance

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Ronaldo and Binance hint at future collaborations, as indicated by a recent social media post from the footballer.

However, both parties remain silent in response to inquiries from the BBC, leaving the nature of their future plans uncertain.

Conclusion

Cristiano Ronaldo's involvement in the Binance class action lawsuit highlights the intricate intersection of celebrity endorsements, cryptocurrency investments, and regulatory oversight.

The case raises questions about the responsibility of both endorsers and regulators in ensuring transparency and protecting investors.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it underscores the urgency for comprehensive guidelines to navigate the complexities of the evolving financial landscape, transcending individual blame to address systemic issues.