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Burger King apologises for Russian ad offering burgers for getting pregnant to World Cup players

Burger King in Russia promised a reward of free burgers to women who get
Burger King in Russia promised a reward of free burgers to women who get

Burger King has apologised for offering a lifetime supply of Whoppers to Russian women who get pregnant by World Cup players.

Critics assailed the offer, announced on Russian social media, as sexist and demeaning.

The announcement was removed on Tuesday from Burger King's social media accounts but was still circulating among Russian social network users.

It promised a reward of free burgers to women who get "the best football genes" and "ensure the success of the Russian team for generations to come".

Women would also reportedly receive 3 million roubles ($64,000) under the offer.

In a statement on Wednesday to The Associated Press, Burger King said: "We are sorry about the clearly offensive promotion that the team in Russia launched online."

It said the offer "does not reflect our brand or our values and we are taking steps to ensure this type of activity does not happen again."

Ads in Russia often play on sexist stereotypes, notably ads around sporting events like the World Cup. Women's rights activists have been increasingly speaking out against them.

Nor is the first time Burger King in Russia ha come under fire for its marketing campaigns. 

Last year, it apologised and took down an ad which used the likeness of Diana Shurygina, who was raped when she was 16 at a house party, as part of a buy one get one free burger offer.