FIFA accused of enabling ‘fraud’ at World Cup by Council of Europe chief
· Yahoo Sports
As gripping as the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been, it has not come without controversy.
Visit h-doctor.club for more information.
FIFA have come under fierce scrutiny during the tournament. Accusations of corruption, political interference and backroom dealings have followed FIFA president Gianni Infantino on his journey across North America.
With the next tournament taking place mostly in Europe — hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco — officials across the Atlantic are voicing concerns over the integrity of the World Cup and specifically, with the governing body in charge of organizing it.
One obvious talking point is the Folarin Balogun controversy, which saw the USMNT star’s ban lifted in an unprecedented move. But there is another issue the Council of Europe has raised, and it has to do with FIFA’s involvement in the sports betting industry.
Photo by Julian Finney – FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesCouncil of Europe chief says FIFA must answer World Cup concerns
With the 2030 World Cup now coming into view, there are widespread concerns coming from Europe about FIFA conduct throughout this summer’s edition.
Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, made those concerns known in a recent statement. The human rights group want to start a dialogue.
He wrote: “The FIFA World Cup 2026 has raised question after question.
“A sanction suspended under pressure, within days, with no reasons given. The authority of referees called into question. Racist abuse of players, some of it from elected officials. Betting on every pass, every card, every corner.
“The celebration will end tonight. The questions will not.”
Politicians across Europe petitioned for an investigation into Donald Trump’s alleged influence on the decision to suspend Balogun. But just as concerning to Berset is FIFA’s deal with ADI Predictsheet, which was made the official prediction market partner of the World Cup in April.
Why the World Cup needs an official prediction market at all is the real question.
Berset continued: “Betting has moved from the result of a match to moments a single player can produce without changing the score. A bet won by making others lose.
“It is an open door to fraud. And this World Cup has opened the door wider. For the first time, FIFA welcomed a prediction market as an official partner, inside the stadiums themselves.”
It’s true. Prediction markets are a new phenomenon, lacking regulation and providing opportunities for market manipulation in the name of profit.
The council’s suggestion to FIFA is opening up a dialogue now to iron out these kinks before 2030.
They want to make sure the next tournament is not embroiled in the same kind of corruption and greed as the one we just watched across North America.
Read more: