Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of charging “excessive ticket prices” for this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FSE alleges that football’s global governing body has “abused its monopoly position” by setting high prices and implementing what it describes as opaque and unfair ticketing processes for the tournament, which kicks off on 11 June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The complaint, filed alongside consumer group Euroconsumers, calls for FIFA to abandon its use of dynamic pricing—where ticket costs fluctuate based on demand—and instead freeze prices ahead of the next ticket release in April. It also demands greater transparency, including at least 48 hours’ notice for ticket availability and clearer information about seating categories.

Although FIFA introduced a limited number of lower-cost tickets priced at $60 (£45) for all 104 matches in December, FSE claims these were too scarce to make a meaningful difference. The group argues this amounts to “bait advertising,” suggesting prices were promoted that were not realistically obtainable for most fans.

FSE director Ronan Evain said the organisation had been left with no choice but to escalate the issue after what he described as FIFA’s failure to engage constructively with supporters.

According to FIFA’s figures, nearly seven million tickets have been allocated for the tournament. However, the cost for fans attending matches across all rounds has risen sharply compared to previous editions. Estimates suggest attending eight matches could cost approximately £5,225 at the lowest tier, rising to £12,350 for premium tickets—significantly higher than comparable packages at the 2022 tournament.

FIFA has yet to publicly respond to the complaint.

Galatasaray midfielder Noa Lang has said his surgery “went well” after suffering a serious thumb injury during his side’s Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

The 26-year-old Netherlands international was injured in the 76th minute of Wednesday’s last-16 match after colliding with advertising hoardings. He immediately fell to the ground clutching his right hand and appeared to be in severe pain.

Lang was attended to by medical staff on the pitch, receiving oxygen before being stretchered off. Liverpool players Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk were seen consoling him during the incident.

Galatasaray confirmed on Thursday that Lang had suffered a “serious cut” to his right thumb. The player later shared an update from Whiston Hospital, posting a photo alongside medical staff.

“Surgery went well! Thanks for all the messages,” he wrote.

Head coach Okan Buruk described the injury as serious following the match, which Liverpool won 4-1 on aggregate.

Officials from Liverpool and UEFA were seen inspecting the advertising boards involved after the game, though no official comment has yet been issued.

Galatasaray were also dealt another blow, with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen sustaining a fracture to his right forearm during the first half.

Osimhen was injured in a challenge with Ibrahima Konaté but initially continued playing before being substituted at half-time. The club confirmed that a cast has been applied, with a decision on possible surgery to follow further medical assessment.

Buruk criticised referee Paweł Raczkowski over the handling of the incident, expressing frustration at the officiating.

Liverpool will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Morocco national football team have been officially declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of the final against Senegal national football team.

Senegal had originally won the final 1-0 on 18 January, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time. The match, however, was marred by controversy after Senegal’s players temporarily refused to continue play when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty while the score was still level.

Following a delay of around 17 minutes, the match resumed, and Brahim Díaz saw his penalty saved before Senegal went on to secure victory.

CAF has now ruled that Senegal forfeited the match due to their conduct, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win under the competition’s regulations.

In a statement, CAF said Senegal had violated Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations rules, which states that a team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee’s permission is considered to have lost the match. Article 84 further stipulates that such a violation results in a 3-0 defeat.

The decision followed an appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which CAF confirmed was admissible and upheld.

Morocco’s federation said the appeal was not intended to challenge Senegal’s on-field performance but to ensure proper enforcement of tournament regulations.

The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly rejected the ruling, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” and confirmed it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Despite the official reversal, the decision has sparked debate across the football world. Senegal’s players had already celebrated their victory publicly, including a parade with the trophy, highlighting the emotional weight of the original result.