FIFA Names UAE-based Prediction Platform Without a Working Product as World Cup Partner

^{Pictured: Gianni Infantino and Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia}

FIFA announced in early April that ADI Predictstreet will become an official partner of the 2026 World Cup in the prediction platforms category. The decision immediately raised questions, as the company did not yet have a live product at the time of the announcement.

Under the partnership, users of ADI Predictstreet will be able to make predictions on match outcomes, statistical events and individual player performances.

FIFA said the service would operate under strict regulatory standards, with user activity monitored in real time to detect suspicious behaviour.

ADI Predictstreet is an Abu Dhabi-based project that plans to run on its own blockchain infrastructure. The platform’s launch is scheduled for April 9 — after the partnership with FIFA was announced.

At present, the company holds a licence only in Gibraltar — described as Europe’s first licence for prediction market operators. It has not disclosed any approvals in other jurisdictions, leaving its legal status outside Gibraltar unclear.

The project is linked to investment vehicle Sirius International Holding, which is part of Abu Dhabi-based conglomerate International Holding Company.

Control of IHC rests with the emirate’s ruling family. In this context, the choice of partner may be linked to FIFA’s expanding ties with investors from the region.

Attention has also been drawn to one of the company’s senior executives, Ajay Bhatia. He was previously involved in a case brought by India’s securities regulator over alleged insider trading. The matter was later settled, with Bhatia paying around $170,000 and agreeing to a temporary market ban.

Industry observers note that FIFA has selected a little-known company without a functioning product, despite the presence of established and regulated prediction platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi. Concerns have also been raised over the lack of a clear regulatory status beyond a single jurisdiction.

Against this backdrop, the deal is viewed as controversial, despite FIFA’s assurances that all compliance and monitoring standards will be met.

Earlier, Gambling Park reported that Polymarket had become a partner of La Liga in the United States and Canada.