The Council of Europe urged FIFA on Sunday to strengthen football integrity after the 2026 World Cup raised concerns over political pressure, racist abuse and betting-related fraud risks.
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset said the tournament had raised “question after question” and called for immediate talks on safeguards for the 2030 World Cup.
Berset cited United States President Donald Trump’s request to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun as an example of political influence reaching the field.
He warned that confidence in results could weaken when football rules appeared vulnerable to external pressure.
Berset also questioned FIFA’s decision to appoint prediction-market company ADI Predictstreet as an official partner. He said betting on specific actions by individual players could create opportunities for manipulation without affecting the final score.
The statement did not accuse any player, team or betting partner of fraud. It warned that expanded betting markets could increase the risk of match-fixing.
The Council of Europe has previously developed international agreements covering spectator safety, anti-doping and match-fixing. The Strasbourg-based organisation is separate from the European Union and includes countries such as the United Kingdom.
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Berset issued the warning before Argentina faced Spain in the World Cup final later Sunday, saying the tournament’s conclusion should begin urgent work on the integrity framework for 2030.
