FIFA Faces Probe Over 2026 World Cup Ticket Pricing
By Akpo Esco
FIFA has been ordered to explain its ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup after attorneys general in New York and New Jersey launched an investigation into allegations of “artificially inflating prices” and misleading fans.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the ticket sales process had been a “gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices.” She confirmed FIFA had been subpoenaed to provide documents as part of a “thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct.”
The joint announcement with New York Attorney General Letitia James and NYC’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection followed complaints that tickets for the tournament are the most expensive in World Cup history. Officials said they would examine claims that FIFA misled fans on seat locations and created more expensive “front” category tickets after initial sales.
Investigators are also reviewing variable pricing, which they allege allowed FIFA to raise prices for about 90 of the 104 matches by an average of 34%.
FIFA has declined to comment. President Gianni Infantino has previously defended the costs, citing “absolutely crazy” demand. As of Wednesday, face-value tickets were still available for 86 matches, including most group-stage games.
The probe highlights pricing for eight matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, including the final.
“Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated,” Davenport said. “It’s an honour to host the World Cup, but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors.”
James added that residents “deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets,” while NYC DCWP Commissioner Samuel Levine said supporters should expect “transparency and fairness.”
The investigation follows a similar letter from California Attorney General Rob Bonta earlier this month. Local officials have also clashed with FIFA over costs, including transport subsidies. NJ Transit recently reduced the planned $150 train fare for match days to $98, down from the usual $12.90 return fare from Manhattan.
Source: BBC Sport
