Spinal Cord Injury BC cancelled a raffle for 2026 World Cup tickets after receiving a legal letter from FIFA lawyers [1], [3].
The incident highlights the strict enforcement of intellectual property and ticketing policies by the global soccer governing body, even when dealing with non-profit organizations providing essential medical and social support.
The Vancouver-based charity had offered two tickets [1] as part of a fundraising effort. However, the organization was forced to scrap the plans in May 2026 [3] after FIFA's legal team intervened. The intervention came in the form of a nine-page letter [1] alleging that the raffle violated the organization's trademark and ticketing policies.
According to the dossier, FIFA's lawyers said the raffle constituted trademark infringement and a violation of ticket rules [1], [2]. The charity, which supports people with spinal injuries in British Columbia, opted to end the raffle rather than face potential litigation from the governing body.
The 2026 World Cup will feature matches in several cities, including Vancouver at BC Place [1], [3]. FIFA maintains rigorous control over how tickets are distributed and marketed to prevent unauthorized reselling and to protect its brand identity throughout the tournament cycle.
This legal action occurred as the organization sought to raise funds for its services. The nine-page document [1] detailed the specific policy violations that led to the cancellation of the event.
“Spinal Cord Injury BC cancelled a raffle for 2026 World Cup tickets after receiving a legal letter from FIFA lawyers.”
This situation underscores FIFA's uncompromising approach to its commercial assets and brand protection. By targeting a non-profit fundraiser, FIFA signals that its trademark and ticketing regulations are absolute and will be enforced regardless of the entity's charitable status or the small scale of the violation.
