Ties to Russia and financial schemes through Favbet: bookmaker owner Andriy Matyukha is actively deleting compromising reports from the media

16:15, 15.06.2025

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Ties to Russia and financial schemes through Favbet: bookmaker owner Andriy Matyukha is actively deleting compromising reports from the media

Andriy Matyukha and Favbet are running a large-scale PR push—using charitable efforts and sports sponsorships to polish their public image.

Favbet and Andriy Matyukha appear to have launched a strong campaign to clean up their public image in Ukraine — particularly through charitable initiatives and partnerships with children’s sports competitions. But can this effort really mask their questionable reputation?

Favbet owner Andriy Matyukha has long worked to scrub the media space of reports about his alleged ties to Russia and other scandals. According to the Telegram channel “Monaco Battalion,” this is evidenced by the disappearance of numerous publications that previously discussed, among other things, the businessman’s suspected Russian passport. Matyukha has also become a water supplier to Ukraine’s parliament — a move that appears aimed at portraying him as a responsible and civic-minded entrepreneur.

“Favbet owner Andriy Matyukha has been actively ‘cleansing’ the media space of references to his connections with Russia and other negative coverage — and there’s a lot of it! And now, attention! Despite all the scandals, Favbet is becoming the title sponsor of national competitions, and Matyukha himself… is supplying water to parliament. The cleanup campaign is in full swing. Old articles are vanishing, and increasingly we’re seeing ‘404 errors’ instead,” the channel’s authors noted.

How is Favbet "whitewashing" its reputation?

While the gambling company Favbet was previously "known" for its questionable connections, its owner now appears to be actively working to reshape that image. For example, the company has become the title sponsor of nationwide sports competitions — a move likely aimed at changing the public perception of the brand.

In particular, Favbet Foundation’s recent initiatives aimed at supporting children are being actively used to improve the company’s image, which is now being positioned as a “socially responsible player in the market.” The latest projects target children affected by the war or displaced persons (IDPs), who are among the most vulnerable groups in society.

In 2025, Favbet Kids also began actively supporting children’s sports competitions. For instance, in April 2025, Favbet Foundation became a partner of the PULSE table tennis school’s social project in Kyiv. The foundation’s biggest event this year was the children’s football tournament — the Favbet Foundation Cup.

Beyond sports initiatives, Favbet is also attempting to reshape its reputation in the tech space through its IT company, Favbet Tech. Favbet Foundation has also engaged in high-profile humanitarian projects, particularly in the healthcare sector.

However, despite numerous charitable efforts and social involvement, the question of Favbet’s reputation — and that of its owner, Andriy Matyukha — remains a subject of ongoing public scrutiny.