Austrian banking group Raiffeisen Bank International is partnering with crypto brokerage Bitpanda to roll out bitcoin and crypto trading for its 18 million customers across Central and Eastern Europe, starting with Albania, Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Thousands of empty seats were visible during the South Korea vs. Czech Republic match at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, the second game of the 2026 World Cup, despite FIFA reporting attendance of 44,985. FIFA attributed the empty seats to fans remaining on concourses, but the incident renewed criticism of the organization's dynamic pricing model and high ticket costs for the expanded tournament.
FIFA has responded to widespread observations of empty seats at 2026 World Cup matches, particularly during South Korea vs. Czech Republic, claiming fans were watching from concourses rather than their seats. The discrepancy has renewed concerns about record-high ticket prices and accessibility at the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Czech National Bank, the first central bank to test bitcoin for reserves, concluded its study after purchasing $1 million in BTC in October. While finding bitcoin more efficient than stocks and gold, the bank determined it is too risky for sovereign reserve holdings.
Police in Austria confirmed rat poison was detected in a jar of HiPP baby food after the Germany-based manufacturer recalled products suggesting they may have been tampered with. Contaminated jars were also found in Czech Republic and Slovakia.
