FIFA’s penchant for scandal and deceit apparent during World Cup and its aftermath
By Leila Ebrahim
“We believe in love.” The song’s words boomed in the packed MetLife Stadium on July 19 at the first halftime show in World Cup history. Colors flashed, and performers danced in an electrifying, one-of-a-kind display on a scale never before seen at a sporting event. The letters “L-O-V-E” were center stage, drawing the eyes of millions.
A nice gesture, yes. But FIFA’s efforts to show its tournament off as one welcoming to all had already backfired, as displayed by its continuous discrimination and championing of xenophobia.
But these aren’t the only issues FIFA seems to perpetually encourage.
FIFA is no stranger to scandal. The 2015 FIFA corruption case, a scheme laden with bribery and fraud where over two dozen organization officials were implicated, resulted in public investigations, indictments, and arrests.
This year’s tournament in North America was yet another opportunity for FIFA officials to abuse their power.
During the 2026 World Cup, a massive controversy arose in the form of a phone call made by United States President Donald Trump.
On July 1, the United States men’s national soccer team played against Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the game, USMNT’s 25-year-old forward Folarin Balogun received a red card for a foul and would no longer be allowed to play in the next match against Belgium. However, FIFA soon announced that Balogun’s one-match suspension had been lifted.
It was revealed that President Trump had been the one to call FIFA President Gianni Infantino directly.
Many speculated that, due to Trump and Infantino’s seemingly close relationship, the USMNT received special treatment. Spectators were left grappling with the question: What does it mean for football as a sport and FIFA as an organization if certain political leaders have the authority to make standard consequences disappear?
Most recently, FIFA announced a plan to sell stakes in the company to private investors. Possible collaborators included Joshua Kushner, brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law. This was one of the organization’s most controversial moves to date, as backlash across social media and news platforms intensified.
The Union of European Football Associations almost immediately responded to FIFA’s shocking plans. UEFA has made it evident that if Gianni Infantino goes ahead with this contentious plan, all European nations will boycott the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This would be a massive blow for FIFA, as European football nations have consistently contributed the highest number of football nations to previous World Cups.
To the relief of many, FIFA withdrew the plan, likely thanks to the large amount of negative media attention and opposition from its subsidiaries. UEFA states, “[We thank] all the fans, leagues, clubs, players, individuals, associations and confederations that opposed the scheme, alongside the many Prime Ministers, Heads of State and commentators.” They call the withdrawn proposal a “secret scheme…a shabby, back room, opaque deal” that was “anything but transparent.”
Football is not for sale. Nor are fans happy about it being used as a pawn in corrupt schemes that only seek to serve the powerful few. Observing the swiftness with which UEFA responded to FIFA’s duplicitous scheme was heartening for those who love the sport. For them, this was a step in the right direction for the future of football.
It is easy to enjoy a match, attend a fanfest with friends, and go to watch parties. But what is truly going on behind every foul?
Football fans always have a voice. For every injustice that occurred in this tournament, outrage gained traction when fans spoke out and made their concerns known loud and clear. Media attention zeroed in on the issues, catapulting these abuses of power into the global spotlight.
Many onlookers hope that with UEFA’s positive guidance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s uncertain future, a more promising time for football is on the horizon. But the longevity of such an era will not be possible without fan efforts towards making the sport a space that runs on justice and fair play.
For every one outspoken voice, another unaware individual is exposed to systemic transgressions around them. Popular opinion has historically shaped policy across the board, and football is no exception, as sport is driven by public support.
It is easy for FIFA to view football fans through the lens of dollar signs. With FIFA’s nudging, football has become a business. It is essential to remember that this wealthy organization is often unscrupulous and does not truly have fans’ best interests at heart – no matter what Infantino and the rest would like the world to think.
So, football fans must never brush off the corruption behind the scenes of their beloved sport. It is important to keep this discussion alive, not just when FIFA inevitably gets caught in another hypocritical scheme. FIFA must not be led to think that it is able to get away with its shady actions time and time again.
Fans cannot become complacent. They must stay informed and ready to preserve the heart of their game, knowing that what they root for on the field will translate to off-the-field outcomes.
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