The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have announced an investigation into FIFA’s ticket prices for this summer’s World Cup, following widespread criticism.
World Cup ticket prices spark anger in New Jersey (Image: Leonardo MUNOZ / AFP via Getty Images)
FIFA faces further embarrassment on the eve of the World Cup after New York and New Jersey officials launched an investigation into ticket prices.
The way soccer’s world governing body sells tickets for this summer’s tournament has been widely criticized. So-called “dynamic pricing” is hitting game fans hard across the United States, Canada and Mexico ahead of the June 11 kickoff.
FIFA lowered some prices in response to the backlash, but president Gianni Infantino stuck to his guns and even defended the $2 million (£1.47 million) ticket that hit the resale market. The cheapest ticket for England’s opening game against Croatia in Texas on June 17 was sold on FIFA’s resale platform in April for $898 (£628).
Formal action has now been taken against FIFA, with the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey announcing an investigation. This follows reports that fans were either misled about the category of tickets they were trying to purchase or did not receive the category they thought they would purchase.
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“Being honest about ticket sales is not difficult. But FIFA has turned World Cup ticket purchasing into a challenge of confusion, false scarcity, and incredibly high prices, all at the expense of consumers and hardworking New Jerseyans,” said New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.
“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into FIFA’s conduct and are proud to work with Attorney General James to protect consumers. We are honored to host the World Cup, but this event is not an invitation to exploit our residents or visitors.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James added, “New Yorkers have waited years for the World Cup to be held in their backyard. They deserve fair access to affordable tickets. No one should be manipulated into paying exorbitant prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that they will get the tickets they buy.”
FIFA declined to comment when contacted by Mirror Football.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly defended World Cup ticket prices (Image: Getty Images)
“Dynamic pricing” has meant that games this summer have different costs, with the most popular games spiraling out of control. Meanwhile, FIFA collects a 30 percent commission on tickets on its own official resale platform.
Even US President Donald Trump has expressed regret over the issue. “I didn’t know that number,” he told the New York Post recently when asked about the $1,000 (£736) ticket price for the USA’s first game. “Of course I’d like to participate, but to be honest, I won’t even pay.”
Despite the criticism, Infantino remained steadfast. “If someone resells a ticket to the final for $2 million, that doesn’t mean the ticket is worth $2 million,” the FIFA president said. “And secondly, it doesn’t mean anyone is going to buy these tickets.
Donald Trump surprised by World Cup ticket prices
“If someone buys a ticket to the finals for $2 million, I’ll personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke to make sure he has a great experience.
“We have to look at the market. We are in the most developed entertainment market in the world, so we have to apply market rates. The United States also allows ticket resale. So if you sell tickets at too low a price, those tickets will be resold at a much higher price.”
“And the truth is, while some people say the ticket prices we have are high, they end up on the resale market at even higher prices, more than double our price.”
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