FIFA’s move into prediction markets with an unlaunched platform raises questions about timing, regulation and credibility.
FIFA has named ADI Predictstreet as its first official partner in the prediction market category, though the platform has yet to publicly launch a working website.
The agreement, announced on 2 April, marks FIFA’s first foray into prediction markets, with the governing body describing the partnership as a way to bring fans closer to the game.
“By partnering with FIFA, ADI Predictstreet will be introducing an exciting new way for fans around the world to engage with football, using insight and interaction to deepen their connection with our competitions,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
ADI Predictstreet will provide a platform allowing fans to forecast match results, tournament outcomes, player performances and key moments, using official FIFA historical data as a reference point.
The company will also act as presenting partner for FIFA’s free-to-play bracket challenge, which sees fans predict the tournament pathway throughout the competition.
FIFA said the platform will operate within its existing regulatory and integrity frameworks, with monitoring systems designed to detect suspicious activity and maintain transparency.
The offering is expected to be available on mobile and desktop applications, with the infrastructure built on ADI’s blockchain technology.
What is ADI Predictstreet?
ADI Predictstreet is a prediction market platform headquartered in Abu Dhabi, developed within the emirate’s investment ecosystem as part of efforts to diversify its economy away from oil.
Like other prediction market platforms, users are expected to trade on the outcomes of real-world events, in this case football matches and tournament milestones, using market-based forecasting rather than fixed odds.
The model has gained traction in recent months, particularly as sports-related contracts begin to overlap with traditional betting products. However, despite the FIFA announcement, there is currently no publicly accessible platform though it is expected to launch on 9 April.
ADI Predictstreet is still very young and was only licensed on 26 March in Gibraltar, becoming the first licensed prediction market in Europe under a Betting Intermediary licence granted through the Gibraltar Gambling Act 2005.
The deal conflicts with the regulatory landscape in two of the three host countries, as independent prediction‑market operators are not permitted in Canada and operate in a legal grey zone in Mexico, meanwhile the company will need approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to provide services to US-based users.
Who’s behind the company?
The company’s leadership structure also appears to be taking shape in parallel with its commercial activity. Earlier today (7 April), ADI Predictstreet announced the appointment of former European Union economist Dimitrios Psarrakis as CEO.
However, as this came after the FIFA partnership announcement, it was Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia, Principal Council Member of ADI Predictstreet, who fronted the deal.
“This partnership marks a defining moment for ADI Predictstreet and how audiences engage with major events, as we lay the foundation for a new category where collective intelligence, technology, and real-world outcomes converge,” he said.
Bhatia’s involvement has led to more question marks over the agreement. He has previously faced allegations of insider trading, which resulted in a settlement with India’s Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) and ended without admission or denial of wrongdoing.
The company’s links to Abu Dhabi’s state-backed investment ecosystem also place the partnership within a wider geopolitical context, as FIFA continues to expand its commercial relationships across the Middle East. This includes Saudi Arabia’s upcoming role as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA joins prediction market surge
FIFA’s move comes amid growing alignment between sports organisations and prediction market platforms, despite increasing regulatory and integrity concerns.
In the US, lawmakers have already started to challenge the model. A bipartisan bill introduced in March aims to ban platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket from offering sports-related contracts under federal commodities regulation, arguing they function as sports betting products.
The proposed legislation would close a loophole that has allowed these platforms to operate nationwide under the oversight of the CFTC, bypassing state-level gambling frameworks.
There are also integrity concerns mounting because unlike traditional sportsbooks, prediction markets have not consistently been subject to the same data-sharing and monitoring obligations with leagues.
Despite this, several leagues have opted to engage with companies in the space. MLB, the NHL, MLS and La Liga, have all entered into partnerships with prediction market platforms in recent months.
The FIFA deal adds further legitimacy and visibility to the prediction market trend. However, it is unclear why the governing body has selected this young, unproven platform over established competitors.
