The Cyprus-based online sports betting operator FavBet has staged a virtual football match in Belarus.
On April 8 the first virtual Belarus Cup match was staged between Dynamo Brest and FC Shakhter. The event offered the chance to buy tickets at $25 each (part of the proceeds going to the Belarus fight against coronavirus).
Fans sent photographs of themselves that football club staff cut out and attached to each virtual fan dressed in the kit of famous clubs and national teams from around the world. Each virtual supporter also received a photo report and video review of the match through email as confirmation of their presence.
Other incentives included a real ticket for the match and matchday magazine through the mail and supporters were able to obtain a 10 per cent discount on all merchandise in the official FC Dynamo Brest online store.
Belarus is the only country in Europe where the national football championship is still being played and FC Dynamo Brest is the current champion. Said Sergey Vorobyov, the club's director general: “This campaign not only gives people an opportunity to have some fun, but also serves good purposes with part of the proceeds going to help the fight against the pandemic.”
The club is continuing to sell virtual tickets for other home matches.
