FIFA’s legal team forced a British Columbia spinal injury charity to cancel a World Cup ticket raffle, citing trademark infringement and ticketing policy violations.
Chris McBride, executive director of Spinal Cord Injury BC, said the non-profit bought two tickets through official channels for the June 21 match between New Zealand and Egypt at BC Place, each valued around $500. The raffle raised about $2,300 before a nine-page letter from FIFA’s lawyers arrived on May 11, accusing the organization of unauthorized promotion.
McBride said they refunded all ticket buyers. FIFA stated tickets are personal, revocable licenses that cannot be used for raffles without prior written consent, adding the rules protect fair access and commercial rights.
McBride noted the cancellation sparked community outrage, with many feeling FIFA extracts resources from host communities without giving back. FIFA countered that it supports charities globally.
The tickets are now listed on FIFA’s official resale marketplace. McBride expects a small loss but says the charity is not significantly out of pocket.