Attorneys General Launch Investigation Into FIFA’s Ticket Sales
FIFA is under pressure to explain its World Cup ticket pricing after an investigation was launched by the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey. The investigation focuses on allegations of artificially inflated prices and misleading fans regarding the sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. New Jersey attorney general Jennifer Davenport described the process as a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices.
Davenport announced a thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct alongside New York attorney general Letitia James and the New York City department of consumer and worker protection (DCWP). FIFA has been subpoenaed to provide information. DCWP commissioner Samuel AA Levine stated the body would take allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously and would look into allegations of artificially inflating prices.
Concerns Over Ticket Prices and Transparency
FIFA has been asked to explain why tickets have exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament. There have been reports of fans being misled about the location of seats, including the creation of more expensive ‘front’ category tickets released after the initial sales. It is also alleged variable pricing through various phases had allowed FIFA to raise prices for about 90 of the 104 fixtures by an average of 34%.
The investigation will consider how the ticket release schedule and public statements may have impacted prices. The attorneys general highlighted the cost of tickets for eight matches, including the final, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Davenport said it’s an honour to host the World Cup but the event is not an invitation to exploit residents and visitors.
FIFA Defends Pricing Amidst Availability
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the cost of tickets by saying they reflect the public’s absolutely crazy appetite for the summer tournament. FIFA has regularly talked up the demand for tickets. Despite this, there were face-value tickets available for 86 of the 104 matches and all but 10 of the group-stage matches as of Wednesday.
James said local residents deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets. James added no-one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive. Levine said supporters should expect transparency and fairness when buying tickets for the World Cup.
Davenport said being honest about ticket sales is not complicated.