The much-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina had not kicked off yet on Sunday, July 19, when Europe’s leading human rights organization decided to deliver an unusual message to the world football’s governing body.
In an open letter sent to FIFA by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, says AP, the organization emphasized that the upcoming World Cup must benefit from enhanced protection from political influence and threats to sporting integrity.
“Two Names: Money and Power”
Berset called for immediate talks on safeguarding the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted primarily by Spain and Portugal alongside Morocco.
Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will also stage opening matches as part of the tournament’s centenary celebrations.
“The next crisis has already begun. It has two names: money and power,” Berset wrote.
The Council of Europe, which is a promoter of democracy, human rights and the rule of law across all 46 member states, has nurtured a formal partnership with FIFA since 2018. However, Berset’s letter seems to openly question several decisions made during the ongoing World Cup.
One of the main issues raised in the letter was FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend a one-match ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun.
Critics said the move came after public pressure from US President Donald Trump, raising questions about whether political figures can influence disciplinary decisions in international sport.
“When the rules bend under pressure, every result is open to doubt,” Berset wrote, further explaining that transparency is critical for fans to be able to keep their faith and confidence in the competition.
Connections with the Betting World
Berset also went on to highlight FIFA’s growing ties to the betting industry, particularly its sponsorship agreement with prediction market company ADI Predictstreet.
According to Berset, allowing bets on individual in-game moments instead of final results generates more risks, possibly making competitions more prone to manipulation.
The Council of Europe’s intervention is even more important given FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously called the ties between the two organizations a partnership built on shared values, including transparency, accountability and respect for human rights.
Despite the criticism, Berset’s message appeared to be framed as an invitation rather than a direct confrontation.
He called on FIFA to begin working immediately on an integrity framework for the 2030 tournament, arguing that planning cannot wait until the competition approaches.
With the next World Cup set to span three continents and celebrate 100 years since the first edition in Uruguay, Berset warned that protecting trust in football may prove just as important as staging the games themselves.