Council of Europe Urges FIFA to Address Prediction Market Risks

The Council of Europe has called on FIFA to strengthen its approach to football integrity, warning that the sport faces new risks from prediction markets, the expanding betting products and political influence.

In an open letter published ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset encouraged FIFA to begin work on a new integrity framework before the 2030 tournament, arguing that recent developments have raised serious questions about the future of the game.

Concerns Over Prediction Markets

One of Berset's main concerns centred on the rise of prediction markets, particularly those linked to individual in game events rather than match results. He said that markets based on actions such as passes, corners or yellow cards create greater opportunities for manipulation because a single player could influence the outcome of a market without affecting the final score.

Berset also pointed to FIFA's decision to welcome a prediction market operator as an official World Cup partner for the first time, saying it had increased concerns around football's integrity and fraud prevention.

Call for a New Integrity Framework

Rather than simply criticising FIFA, the Council of Europe proposed opening what Berset described as a "third half", a working dialogue between the two organisations aimed at creating stronger safeguards before the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The proposed framework would focus on protecting football from emerging integrity risks, including prediction markets, evolving betting products and outside political pressure. Berset said the work should begin immediately to ensure future tournaments are better equipped to deal with the changing landscape surrounding international football.

Political Influence Also Under the Spotlight

The letter also referenced recent controversy surrounding FIFA's handling of disciplinary matters during the World Cup.

Berset warned that when sporting decisions appear to be influenced by political pressure, public confidence in the competition can be damaged. Combined with the fast expansion of betting markets, he said these issues highlight the need for stronger governance ahead of future tournaments.

Growing Debate Around Prediction Markets

The comments add to this ongoing debate over the role of prediction markets in sport. While supporters say they offer an innovative way for fans to engage with sporting events, critics have questioned whether certain markets, particularly those focused on individual player actions, increase integrity risks and require closer oversight.

With prediction markets continuing to get bigger every day and attract major commercial partnerships, the discussion around how they should be regulated is likely to remain a key issue in the years leading up to the upcoming 2030 World Cup.