ARSENAL billionaire shareholder Alisher Usmanov is offering free iPhones – to anyone who creates the best memes at his expense.
The 63-year-old Oligarch, worth an estimated £11billion, was involved in an unlikely social media spat with Russian activist Alexei Navalny.
Their beef happened when Mr Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation alleged that Mr Usmanov donated a bribe – a large piece of land – to Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev.
Unusually, the Arsenal man took to social media and posted an online video – accusing Mr Navalny of being a “loser” and a “failed businessman”.
Phrases like “of the two of us, you are a criminal” and “unlike you, I’m living a happy life”, have become instant memes in Russia.
Some of the images are rather less flattering but the Uzbek has taken it in good humour.
He said: “I really appreciate jokes and humour.
“I am glad that with my videos I provoke people to create stickers, caricatures, parodies, videos and memes.”
The steel and investment magnate has promised to give out an Apple iPhone 7 as well as signed t-shirts with his favourite meme.
Usmanov, one of the wealthiest men in Britain, is a 30 per cent shareholder in Arsenal.
He has tried to takeover the club from current owner Stan Kroenke on a number of occasions but his bids – including for £1bn last week – have been rejected.