Planning a World Cup Watch Party at a Bar? The ‘FIFA Police’ Are Lurking; The New York Times, May 2, 2026

 Vjosa Isai, The New York Times; Planning a World Cup Watch Party at a Bar? The ‘FIFA Police’ Are Lurking

Some businesses advertising watch parties in Canada’s two host cities are wary of running afoul of FIFA’s trademark, which protects advertising “World Cup” events.

"Sports teams and athletic organizations, such as FIFA, the International Olympic Committee and others, are aggressive about protecting their intellectual property because their names, logos and brands are considered commercial assets."

FIFA accused of breaking ethics rules after giving Peace Prize to Trump; USA TODAY, December 9, 2025

Scooby Axson, USA TODAY; FIFA accused of breaking ethics rules after giving Peace Prize to Trump

"An international human rights group filed a complaint with the ethics committee of world soccer's governing body to look into FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of a possible breach of political neutrality.

FairSquare, based in London, which says its company promotes "systemic change and stops human rights abuses," filed an eight-page complaint with FIFA’s Ethics Committee over the organization's decision to give its inaugural Peace Prize to President Donald Trump, a decision that was met with swift condemnation.

“The award of a prize of this nature to a sitting political leader is in and of itself a clear breach of FIFA’s duty of neutrality,” FairSquare said in its complaint."