World Cup chaos has lawyers fighting over red cards and weather

At this World Cup, one of England’s urgent pre-match calls wasn’t about tactics, travel or players. It was about FIFA regulations.

The England Football Association asked Northridge Law for advice after FIFA considered moving England’s crucial match against Mexico forward by six hours because of concerns over thunderstorms and flooding in Mexico City, according to people familiar with the matter.

FIFA ultimately kept the original 6 p.m. kickoff — 1 a.m. in the UK — but only after a chaotic day in which both the English and Mexican camps were left seeking clarity over a possible late change to one of the tournament’s biggest matches. The English FA was said to have been “stunned” by the prospect of its preparations being disrupted at short notice.

While the incident was brief, it underscored how national associations increasingly steer through regulations, broadcasting schedules, player safety, protocols for extreme weather and even political influence. The 2026 World Cup has only accelerated that trend.

FIFA’s first 48-team men’s tournament features 104 matches across three countries, Canada, Mexico and the US, creating more games, more travel, more host-city issues and more opportunities for legal friction than any previous tournament.

“When I started 20 years ago you had few in-house teams within the sports sector,” said Zane Shihab, a lawyer at DLA Piper in London. “But sports law has grown exponentially. The issues include a growing scrutiny of regulations, governing bodies and participating clubs more than ever; there are AI and data issues. I can’t see this slowing up.”

The World Cup Final will be Sunday in New Jersey, matching Spain against Argentina in a game that will likely shatter viewership records.

Lawyers have long received a lot of work from clubs and leagues, especially in Europe where rules have become increasingly complex. The English Premier League has spent around £93 million ($125.5 million) on legal costs over the last two years, according to media reports.

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At a World Cup, the disputes can sometimes take place far away from the pitch. Take Cape Verde’s surprising success in the tournament, with a surge in demand for team jerseys triggering a dispute over sales rights.

Capelli Sport is Cape Verde’s official kit provider. After Cape Verde unexpectedly tied with Spain, one of the finalists on Sunday, the country’s previous uniform supplier, Tempo, began advertising its own jerseys on social media. Capelli sent Tempo a cease-and-desist letter, arguing that it had exclusive rights to sell the jersey, according to a report from Sportico.

David Moreno, a lawyer at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright in New York, said the dispute shows the need to react quickly.

“Cape Verde were the early sensation in the tournament,” Moreno said. “They were kitted out with Capelli uniforms but, as demand grew massively, another company started making the jerseys. They were even selling them at a lower price.”

Tempo didn’t reply to an email seeking comment. Capelli said that it was disappointing to see someone attempt to “capitalize on a moment that belongs” to the team and its fans.

The most visible example of outside pressure during this World Cup has been the controversy over USA player Folarin Balogun, who faced a one-match ban after he received a red card in a game against Belgium. US President Donald Trump later said that he had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to push for the punishment to be set aside.

Following Trump’s intervention, FIFA lifted the automatic one-match suspension that would normally follow the card, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.

The Belgian federation fought back, arguing that FIFA’s handling of the matter was opaque and procedurally unfair. It had sought an explanation from FIFA and then found itself treated as if it had filed an appeal, with only hours to complete it. Balogun played in the match, but Belgium prevailed 4-1.

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“I think that it is a fair statement to say that it was completely unexpected, but truly underscores the magnitude of the event and why it is incredibly important to have trusted counsel with a wide breadth of experience,” Moreno said.

As the battle over Balogun demonstrated, tournament disputes rarely unfold at the pace of ordinary litigation. A red card, an eligibility ruling or a bonus dispute can become critical within hours. By the time a federation has convened its board, consulted an in-house lawyer and found the relevant rulebook, the on-field consequences may be irreversible.

“Clients prepare for these issues well in advance of the tournament, and nearly all require ongoing legal advice to mitigate risk,” said Nicole Buffalano, a partner at Morgan Lewis in Los Angeles. “I haven’t had to cancel any vacations, but I have provided clients with ongoing legal counsel throughout the tournament.”

Data on what football associations spend on lawyers is patchy. Many national organizations don’t break out costs in a way that allows an easy comparison. The clearest figures are in the US, where US Soccer publishes annual filings and audited financial statements.

In 2025, US Soccer listed $23.1 million in legal fees, which is more than double the $9.7 million a year earlier.

For Eric Andalman of King & Spalding, whose firm represented Atlanta in its successful bid to host World Cup matches, the reason for the legal profession’s growing role is straightforward.

“Sport is big business now, not a hobby or a vanity asset,” he said. “Getting eligibility is paramount and can create more revenues and opportunity for your country. It’s no longer a game.”

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