Council of Europe urges FIFA to urgently strengthen football's "integrity framework" ahead of the 2030 tournament, citing allegations of political pressure, player abuse and betting fraud during the 2026 World Cup in the United Stateshttps://t.co/nbAHyUgIqz News Analysis & Summary In a scathing new report, the Council of Europe has called on FIFA to urgently strengthen football's integrity framework ahead of the 2030 World Cup, citing serious allegations that marred the 2026 tournament held in the United States. According to the Council, the 2026 World Cup was tainted by political pressure on referees and officials, widespread player abuse (including reports of inadequate medical care and mental health neglect), and a surge in betting fraud linked to organized crime. The organization warns that without immediate reformssuch as independent oversight of match officials, transparent financial audits, and robust whistleblower protectionsthe integrity of the sport will be irreparably damaged. In my opinion, this is a critical wake-up call for FIFA. The governing body has long been accused of prioritizing commercial interests over ethics, and the 2026 allegations only confirm that structural change is overdue. The Council's intervention should not be ignored; FIFA must act decisively to implement binding regulations rather than mere recommendations. Otherwise, the 2030 tournament risks becoming another platform for exploitation and corruption, betraying the trust of players and fans worldwide. Source: @trtworld on X/TwitterPublic Engagement Views: 3,012 Likes: 4 Comments: 1 Shares: 1 Published: July 19, 2026, 12:15 pm