New Controversy Around FIFA: Council of Europe Criticizes Infantino

Photo: Marco Bader/HMB Media/picture alliance

Although the 2026 World Cup in North America has concluded, controversies surrounding football governance continue. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has sharply criticized FIFA for its politicization, significant governance issues, and partnership with a betting company.

Zamin.uz Details on the serious accusations leveled against FIFA and Gianni Infantino.

“Money and Power”: An Open Letter from the Council of Europe

In an open letter published on July 19 ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset expressed his dissatisfaction with FIFA's operations. Berset emphasized that while the football festival has ended, serious governance issues remain unresolved.

Alain Berset: “The celebration ends tonight. But the questions remain. The next crisis has already begun. It has two names — money and power.”

Alain Berset criticized FIFA on several fronts:

• Susceptibility to political influence: The organization's tendency to yield to political pressure.

• Racial conflicts and betting: Racial disputes and the partnership with the betting company ADI Predictstreet. Berset believes that partnering with betting firms increases the risk of fraud in sports.

In 2018, a memorandum on transparency, human rights, and corporate governance was signed between the Council of Europe and FIFA. Due to events during the 2026 World Cup, Berset proposed reviewing this agreement and starting negotiations for a new “framework agreement” before the 2030 tournament.

Trump’s call and the “show-biz” nature of football

During the World Cup, FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino repeatedly drew public criticism:

1. The Balogun case and Trump’s intervention: One of the biggest scandals was the overturning of a suspension given to US national team striker Folarin Balogun. According to media reports, the ban was lifted after US President Donald Trump personally called Infantino.

2. Excessive commercialization and showmanship: Experts accused FIFA of prioritizing spectacle and commerce over the sport itself. Numerous commercial breaks and lavish ceremonies were said to undermine the true charm of football. In particular, a large concert show similar to the US Super Bowl tradition was organized during the final match break.

Infantino’s private jet travels and “hypocrisy”

Associated Press estimates that during the tournament, Gianni Infantino traveled nearly Qatar Airways private jet, covering 95,000 kilometers and attending 43 matches.

FIFA had previously promised to reduce CO₂ emissions. The discrepancy between Infantino’s flights and these statements fueled criticism of “hypocrisy” against the organization.

Spain — New World Cup Champion!

Recall that the 2026 World Cup took place from June 11 to July 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with a total of 104 matches played.