FIFA shuts down B.C. spinal injury charity's World Cup ticket raffle
Lawyers for the soccer federation forced cancellation of fundraiser that had raised $2,300 for Spinal Cord Injury BC.
A British Columbia non-profit supporting people with spinal injuries was forced to cancel a World Cup ticket raffle after receiving a nine-page cease-and-desist letter from FIFA's lawyers, accusing it of trademark infringement and ticketing violations.
Spinal Cord Injury BC had purchased two tickets for the June 21 game between New Zealand and Egypt at Vancouver's BC Place for about $500 each. The organization planned to raffle them off as a fundraiser—a way to raise money while giving supporters affordable access to a game they otherwise couldn't afford.
By the time FIFA's letter from Toronto law firm Lipkus Law arrived on May 11, the charity had already sold raffle tickets and raised roughly $2,300. The letter informed them that raffling World Cup tickets violates FIFA's trademark and ticketing policy. FIFA stated that tickets are "personal, revocable licences" and may not be used for advertising, promotional, or competition purposes "without FIFA's prior written consent."
Chris McBride, executive director of the charity, said he understood the violation but was disappointed. "We were a little surprised, but you know, we understood that we were in violation of policies," he said. "I mean, there's no real complaint there from us. We're just disappointed that this small little enterprise…the opportunity was being denied to us."
The charity cancelled the raffle and refunded all ticket purchases. The two World Cup tickets have been placed on an official resale marketplace. As word spread, the community rallied with support and donations. "It's hitting a nerve," McBride said, "and I think it highlights that FIFA is really good at extracting resources from host communities, but not so good at finding ways to help give back to them."