The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey announced, this Wednesday (27), the opening of an investigation “into FIFA’s ticket sales practices” for the 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11.
Exorbitant ticket prices have been a source of tension surrounding the first World Cup expanded to 48 teams, which will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Courts in both states are asking FIFA for information on ticket sales, in particular for the eight matches scheduled at the MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, near New York, including the final on July 19.
Attorneys General Letitia James and Jennifer Davenport said some fans received seats in a lower category than they had initially chosen and are therefore situated in the stadium in worse condition than expected.
“Recent reports indicate that fans may have been misled about the location of the seats they purchased,” James and Davenport said in a statement.
They also stated “that FIFA’s public statements, as well as ticket sales, may have contributed to the unreasonable increase in prices.”
In mid-May, California Attorney General Rob Bonta had already asked FIFA for clarification regarding “possible deceptive commercial practices”, based on an investigation by The Athletic.
He also invited California consumers who believe they have been scammed to file a report.
Supporter groups also raised their voice against high prices.
The organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) recently accused football’s governing body of “extortion” and “monumental betrayal”.
The federation responded in April to The Athletic that the stadium maps presented at the time of purchase, and modified later, were “guidelines”.
