Urgent European demands call on FIFA to immunize football against political interference and financial pressures, following refereeing controversy, racism, and the expanding influence of betting during the 2026 World Cup, in preparation for the 2030 tournament.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset today called on the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to embark on what he described as a 'third half' by working to protect football from political and financial pressures ahead of the next World Cup in 2030.

Refereeing controversy and political interference in the World Cup

Hours before the final match between Argentina and Spain, Berset said the 2026 World Cup raised 'a whole series of questions,' referring in particular to FIFA's decision to suspend the red card shown by the referee to American player Folarin Balogun, without explanation, and after intervention by US President Donald Trump.

The secretary general said, 'A penalty was suspended during the tournament after a head of state called the FIFA president,' expressing regret that 'political influence now extends even to the pitch.'

Money and influence threaten the independence of sport

Berset said that FIFA must initiate a 'third half' by working 'urgently to strengthen the integrity of sport,' considering that this integrity is now threatened by 'money and influence.'

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He added, in a statement reported by AFP, that the 2026 World Cup also witnessed 'suspension of a penalty under pressure' and 'questioning of referees' authority.'

Racism and the expansion of betting raise concerns

He denounced 'racist insults targeting players, some coming from elected officials,' and the widespread reach of betting that covers 'every pass, every card, every corner kick.'

Berset warned, saying, 'Betting is no longer limited to the match result, but now includes events that a player can do without affecting the outcome. One can win a bet by causing loss to others, and this opens the door to fraud.'

He added that this edition of the World Cup 'widened this door further,' noting that 'for the first time, FIFA includes among its official partners a company operating in the prediction markets sector, which is present even inside stadiums.'

Call for dialogue to establish a global integrity framework

The Council of Europe comprises 46 member states and is the leading European body in the field of human rights.

Berset called on FIFA to 'start a constructive dialogue from this evening, in order to prepare an integrity framework to be implemented at the 2030 World Cup.'