<\/p>\n
At this World Cup, one of England\u2019s urgent pre-match calls wasn\u2019t about tactics, travel or players. It was about FIFA regulations.<\/p>\n
The England Football Association asked Northridge Law for advice after FIFA considered moving England\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
FIFA ultimately kept the original 6 p.m. kickoff \u2014 1 a.m. in the UK \u2014 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\u2019s biggest matches. The English FA was said to have been \u201cstunned\u201d by the prospect of its preparations being disrupted at short notice.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
FIFA\u2019s first 48-team men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I started 20 years ago you had few in-house teams within the sports sector,\u201d said Zane Shihab, a lawyer at DLA Piper in London. \u201cBut 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\u2019t see this slowing up.\u201d<\/p>\n
The World Cup Final will be Sunday in New Jersey, matching Spain against Argentina in a game that will likely shatter viewership records.<\/p>\n
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 \u00a393 million ($125.5 million) on legal costs over the last two years, according to media reports.<\/p>\n
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At a World Cup, the disputes can sometimes take place far away from the pitch. Take Cape Verde\u2019s surprising success in the tournament, with a surge in demand for team jerseys triggering a dispute over sales rights.<\/p>\n
Capelli Sport is Cape Verde\u2019s official kit provider. After Cape Verde unexpectedly tied with Spain, one of the finalists on Sunday, the country\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
David Moreno, a lawyer at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright in New York, said the dispute shows the need to react quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cCape Verde were the early sensation in the tournament,\u201d Moreno said. \u201cThey 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tempo didn\u2019t reply to an email seeking comment. Capelli said that it was disappointing to see someone attempt to \u201ccapitalize on a moment that belongs\u201d to the team and its fans.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Following Trump\u2019s intervention, FIFA lifted the automatic one-match suspension that would normally follow the card, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.<\/p>\n
The Belgian federation fought back, arguing that FIFA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI 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,\u201d Moreno said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cClients prepare for these issues well in advance of the tournament, and nearly all require ongoing legal advice to mitigate risk,\u201d said Nicole Buffalano, a partner at Morgan Lewis in Los Angeles. \u201cI haven\u2019t had to cancel any vacations, but I have provided clients with ongoing legal counsel throughout the tournament.\u201d<\/p>\n
Data on what football associations spend on lawyers is patchy. Many national organizations don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
In 2025, US Soccer listed $23.1 million in legal fees, which is more than double the $9.7 million a year earlier.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s growing role is straightforward.<\/p>\n
\u201cSport is big business now, not a hobby or a vanity asset,\u201d he said. \u201cGetting eligibility is paramount and can create more revenues and opportunity for your country. It\u2019s no longer a game.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a9 2026 Bloomberg<\/p>\n
#World #Cup #chaos #lawyers #fighting #red #cards #weather<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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