Fifa ordered to explain World Cup ticket pricing

World football's governing body, Fifa, faces a formal investigation by the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey over its ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup. Allegations include "artificially inflating prices" and "misleading fans," prompting a subpoena for Fifa to provide detailed information.

“

Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated. It's an honor to host the World Cup but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the process as a "gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices." She vowed a "thorough investigation of Fifa's conduct." Davenport announced the probe alongside New York Attorney General Letitia James and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

The DCWP Commissioner Samuel AA Levine stated the body takes "allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously." Investigators will scrutinize claims of inflated prices, particularly why tickets have "exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament." Fans report being misled about seat locations and the release of more expensive 'front' category tickets after initial sales.

“

Local residents deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets. 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.

Reports suggest variable pricing across different phases allowed Fifa to increase prices for approximately 90 of the 104 matches by an average of 34%. The investigation will also consider how ticket release schedules and public statements influenced these prices. Fifa President Gianni Infantino has defended the costs, citing "absolutely crazy" public demand, yet face-value tickets remain available for most matches.

“

Reports of Fifa conduct in violation of the city's consumer protection law, including misleading fans about seat locations and artificially inflating prices, are deeply troubling.