Ballon d'Or leak suspected as Groupe Amaury files complaint over suspicious betting

France Football's parent company files complaint over suspected insider betting on Polymarket after Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or win; newly created accounts wagered €236k on the exact top-five finish.

The Ballon d'Or has been hit by a suspected insider trading scandal. Five days after Harry Kane won the award in London, France Football's parent company Groupe Amaury announced it has filed a complaint over suspicious betting activity on the cryptocurrency platform Polymarket.

According to economic media outlet Upside, twelve newly created accounts placed €236,000 (approximately $264,000) in bets on October 1st, three days before the October 24th ceremony. The bets predicted the exact top-five finish in order: Kane, Mbappé, Yamal, Rodri, Messi. Those accounts won approximately €178,000 ($200,000) in returns.

Groupe Amaury, which has organized the Ballon d'Or for 70 years, stated in a press release that it is investigating "allegations of result leaks and potentially fraudulent betting." The group emphasized that the award's integrity is a priority and that the winner is determined by independent voting. Investigations are underway to verify the facts and determine any responsibilities.