New Delhi: In a bizarre move, Burger King Russia has offered to pay 3 million rubles (about $47,000) and a lifetime supply of one of the best selling item on their menu, Whoppers, to "women who get pregnant from world football stars."

Their intent behind this is to inherit "the best football genes."

The ad showed a woman holding her baby bump, the frame being limited to her chest down to the waist.

Here is the ad as tweeted by a user:


The ad based on translation, said that "Burger King, within the framework of social responsibility, has appointed a reward for girls who get pregnant from the stars of world football. Each will receive 3 million rubles and a lifelong supply of Whoppers. For these girls, it will be possible to get the best football genes, and will lay down the success of the Russian national team on several generations ahead. Forward! We believe in you!"

It received huge outrage from people for the sheer crass and misogynistic appeal it has on first read and otherwise. This ad was posted on Tuesday morning and was taken down by dinner time because of the reactions it garnered from the people.

As per reports, after receiving flak from one and all, Burger King took down the ad and made a statement apologising on behalf of their Russian team. They wrote that they were sorry about the clearly offensive promotion that the team in Russia launched online. As soon as it was brought to their attention, they had it removed. It certainly did not reflect the brand or its values and that they were taking steps to ensure this type of activity does not happen again.

This isn’t the first instance of insensitive promotional tactics by the Burger King’s Russian team. Last year too they stirred a controversy when they used a rape victim to promote one of their offers.