The Asian gaming platform will use Gerrard’s image to promote itself across the continent during the competition, with Gerrard himself engaging in both digital and physical promotional campaigns across the region.

On the new deal, Gerrard said: “I am delighted to join M88 Mansion as their Brand Ambassador for the World Cup. I couldn’t be more excited to share my experiences from my time on the field, especially my views and opinion to the Asian sports fans regarding the upcoming World Cup.”

Meanwhile, M88 Mansion’s Head of Commercial, Alan Wafer, added: “We are ecstatic that Steven Gerrard agreed to become our Brand Ambassador for the Qatar World Cup. It is an honour to have him be included in our growing roster of partners.”

The ex-Liverpool Football Club and England captain has become the latest in a string of high-profile former players to agree on a sponsorship deal in Qatar. This could see Gerrard draw similar criticism to other ex-players such as David Beckham or Gary Neville – due to the intense scrutiny over Qatar’s abysmal human rights record and anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

Gerrard most recently was the manager at English Premier League club Aston Villa until he was ousted for the team’s poor performances.

Clearly, the gambling industry has enough of an appeal to high-profile footballing figures like Gerrard – arguably, the out-of-work manager could have used the World Cup to study up on the game. But the paycheck and the opportunity looks like it was too good to turn down in Gerrard's eyes.