Eden Hazard's Infamous Ball-Boy Incident Leads to Million-Dollar Payday
Charlie Morgan, famously involved in an incident with Eden Hazard in 2013, is reportedly set to earn a major windfall from the sale of his drinks brand, Au Vodka. Co-founded in 2015, the viral company known for its gold bottles is being acquired by global spirits giant Sazerac for an estimated £500 million.Thirteen years after a memorable skirmish with then-Chelsea star Eden Hazard, former Swansea City ball-boy Charlie Morgan is reportedly on the verge of a significant financial windfall. Morgan, who found himself at the center of a controversial incident in 2013 when Hazard was sent off for kicking him in an attempt to retrieve the ball, is now set to benefit from the sale of his highly successful drinks company, Au Vodka, for an estimated £500 million.
The incident occurred during a League Cup semi-final match between Swansea City and Chelsea. Hazard, frustrated by Morgan holding onto the ball, attempted to kick it free, resulting in contact with the ball-boy. Hazard later issued an apology, stating, "The boy put his whole body on to the ball and I was just trying to kick the ball. I think I kicked the ball and not the boy. I apologise." This event, widely reported at the time, ironically set the stage for Morgan's future entrepreneurial fame.
Just two years following the widely publicized incident, in 2015, Charlie Morgan co-founded Au Vodka with business partner Jackson Quinn. The company quickly distinguished itself in the spirits market, becoming renowned for its distinctive gold bottles and developing a strong viral presence. Its rise to prominence was further fueled by endorsements and playful antics from public figures such as radio DJ Charlie Sloth, who became an investor, and influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who once staged an internet prank involving a fake tattoo of the brand's logo.
According to Sky News, Au Vodka is now poised to be acquired by Sazerac, a leading global spirits company. Sazerac, already known for owning brands like BuzzBallz and Southern Comfort, confirmed the acquisition through a statement to ESPN. The statement read, "Sazerac, a leading global spirits company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Au Vodka, a UK-based vodka & RTD brand."
Sazerac elaborated on its strategic rationale for the acquisition, emphasizing its continuous efforts to expand its business by investing in brands and broadening its global portfolio to better connect with consumers. The company highlighted the United Kingdom as a crucial market, viewing this acquisition as an opportunity to significantly deepen its presence within the region. The transaction is currently subject to customary completion conditions, with completion anticipated within weeks. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, the reported £500 million valuation underscores the remarkable success of Morgan and Quinn's venture.