FIFA, Group of Copenhagen clash over potential betting irregularities at 2026 World Cup

Published Jul 23, 09:00 AM UTC

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The Group of Copenhagen, an independent international advisory body under the Council of Europe, has raised seven 'yellow notices' regarding potential betting irregularities during the 2026 men's World Cup. The flagged incidents include a red card shown to South Africa's Themba Zwane, a $4.8 million Polymarket bet on Spain not defeating Cape Verde, and a VAR delay in a Spain-Saudi Arabia match. The group also highlighted a Polymarket market opened on the same day USA striker Folarin Balogun received a red card, before FIFA confirmed his availability. FIFA's own Integrity Task Force reported no suspicious betting activity. A gambling industry expert noted that irregularities do not necessarily indicate match manipulation. The Group of Copenhagen has requested a written explanation from FIFA regarding the Balogun case.

Source

Soccer - The AthleticWestern

Original headline: FIFA, global advisory body clash over potential betting irregularities at World Cup

Original language: EN

Part of this Story

Group of Copenhagen Flags Seven Betting Irregularities at 2026 World Cup

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FIFA Polymarket Folarin Balogun United States South Africa Spain Cape Verde Saudi Arabia Mexico Bosnia and Herzegovina Belgium