Europe’s leading human rights body has publicly questioned the integrity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling on FIFA to work towards a stronger governance and integrity framework before the 2030 tournament.
In an open letter released, Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset warned that the competition had exposed growing concerns over the influence of “money and power” in football. He argued that recent controversies had undermined confidence in the sport’s fairness and credibility.
Berset pointed to FIFA’s decision to suspend a one-match ban on United States forward, Folarin Balogun after reported pressure from US President Donald Trump. Although Balogun was cleared to play in the United States’ quarterfinal against Belgium, the hosts were beaten 4-1. Berset said the decision, made without a publicly released explanation, raised serious questions about transparency and the independence of FIFA’s disciplinary process.
The former Swiss president also criticised FIFA’s commercial partnership with prediction market sponsor, ADI Predictstreet, warning that allowing wagers on individual in-game actions could increase the risk of manipulation and fraud.
He further highlighted concerns over racist abuse directed at players, growing scrutiny of referees, and the expanding role of gambling in football, describing them as threats to the game’s integrity.
The Council of Europe, which signed a cooperation agreement with FIFA in 2018 to promote transparency, accountability and human rights in football, urged world football’s governing body to begin immediate discussions on creating a comprehensive integrity framework ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with opening matches also taking place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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