'Open door to fraud': Europe's rights body slams FIFA World Cup integrity

Europe's top human rights body has sharply criticized FIFA's handling of the World Cup, warning that "the next crisis has already begun: money and power." In an open letter to FIFA, Alain Berset, head of the 46-nation Council of Europe, questioned the integrity of the tournament and urged FIFA to strengthen its framework for future events, particularly the 2030 edition planned for Spain and Portugal.

“

The next crisis has already begun. It has two names: money and power.

Berset pointed to two specific incidents that he believes undermine trust. First, he cited FIFA's decision to suspend a one-game ban for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun shortly before a crucial match, suggesting it occurred under pressure from then-U.S. President Donald Trump. "When the rules bend under pressure, every result is open to doubt," Berset wrote, noting that Belgium defeated Spain 4-1 in that match.

“

When the rules bend under pressure, every result is open to doubt.

Second, Berset raised alarms about FIFA's sponsorship deal with ADI Predictstreet, a prediction market company. He described the deal, reportedly worth $150 million, as "an open door to fraud," especially given the gambling industry's involvement in the World Cup. He argued that prediction betting rewards insider trading and allows wagers on "moments a single player can produce without changing the score," thus compromising fair play.

“

Political influence has also moved onto the field.

These concerns were aired publicly despite a 2018 memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the Council of Europe, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledged to uphold values like transparency, accountability, and human rights. UEFA, Europe's soccer governing body, also criticized FIFA's ruling on Balogun, calling it a "red line" violation. FIFA has not yet released documents explaining the disciplinary judge's decision.

“

It is an open door to fraud.