GFA alerts fans as FIFA petitions CID over fake 2026 FIFA World Cup hospitality packages
FIFA has issued a public advisory warning football fans against engaging with an Accra-based company (name withheld), which has been promoting and selling purported World Cup ticketing, hospitality and travel packages without any official authorisation.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in a statement released on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, informed the public that it had received formal communication from lawyers acting on behalf of FIFA regarding the activities of the company located in Accra.
Unauthorised sales
FIFA has raised concerns that the company has been engaging in the promotion, advertisement and sale of purported World Cup ticketing, hospitality and travel packages without any official authorisation, accreditation or endorsement from FIFA or its designated commercial partners.
FIFA's legal representatives further clarified that the company is not an authorised ticketing or hospitality partner of FIFA and has not been granted any rights connected to the tournament's commercial, marketing or intellectual property framework.
The public is therefore strongly advised that any engagement or financial transaction with the said entity or related platforms is done strictly at their own risk.
Ambush marketing concerns
The communication outlines that the activities in question may constitute ambush marketing and could potentially mislead the public, sponsors and other stakeholders, thereby undermining the integrity of FIFA's commercial structures.
Ambush marketing refers to the practice where a company attempts to associate itself with a major event without paying the official sponsorship fees or obtaining the necessary rights.
FIFA petitions CID
As part of ongoing measures, FIFA has initiated steps, including a petition to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service for an investigation into the matter, alongside public disclaimers to caution supporters.
The Ghana Football Association, as the affiliate of FIFA in Ghana and a key stakeholder in the global football ecosystem, has been requested by FIFA to bring this matter to the attention of the general public, advise supporters and stakeholders to exercise caution when purchasing World Cup-related packages, and encourage full compliance with official FIFA ticketing and hospitality channels.
GFA's commitment
The GFA reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of football operations in Ghana and ensuring that supporters are not exposed to fraudulent or unauthorised commercial activities connected to FIFA competitions.
The Association stated that it will continue to collaborate with FIFA and relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address the issue and safeguard the interests of the Ghanaian football community.
Advice to fans
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, in North America, fans are advised to purchase tickets and hospitality packages exclusively through FIFA's official channels. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Ghana competing in Group L against Panama, England and Croatia.
The public has been urged to report any suspicious offers of World Cup tickets or packages to the Ghana Football Association or the police. The CID is expected to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against the company if the allegations are substantiated.
