The days when football was considered a working-class sport are long gone and, sadly, this has never been more evident than it is now.
The cheapest ticket for England’s opener against Croatia is a whopping £197 ($265), but fans who choose the ‘Supporter Premium’ category will pay £521 ($700).
If the Three Lions reach the quarter-finals, those wishing to take part will have to pay either £507 ($680), £756 ($1,015) or £1,073 ($1,440) for a seat in category 1, 2 or 3.
The lowest price for a semi-final ticket is a whopping £686 ($920), and the highest price is more than three times that at £2,364 ($3,170). Meanwhile, if England reach the final, tickets will be sold for up to £6,475 (about $8,680).
This doesn’t even take into account the dizzying costs of necessities like flights, overpriced hotels, food and transportation, and more.
This exorbitant price tag shows how little FIFA actually cares about the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game. It must be remembered that without them, power will not create wealth, but will feed off the scraps.
FIFA would clearly want the stands to be filled by uninterested Americans with more money than taste, rather than true fans who would create the raucous atmosphere befitting a World Cup match.
Given that the vast majority of people excluded from the millionaires will not be able to attend, it is expected that the match will take place in front of a soulless crowd.
This is a terrible indictment of the current state of the sport and FIFA should be ashamed. It is clear that in their eyes, supporters are nothing more than a cash cow to be completely exploited.
True fans have taken a backseat. Only those willing to shell out big bucks on tickets and spend even more on expensive beer, crappy merchandise, and hot dogs lathered with that horrible American mustard will have that time.
They say money makes the world go round, and this is especially true in the case of FIFA. Gone are the days when soccer was just for the fans. Now it’s just a money-making stunt to benefit the Faceless Suits, who don’t really understand what’s special about this game.
Do you have any advice for people thinking of participating in the World Cup? Please stop. Your money would be better spent elsewhere.
Not only are they usually held in countries that are the world’s biggest laughing stock, but you also have to refinance your home to get into the stadium.
You can stay home and watch TV and have your last laugh. Even if you are alone, you will be able to further expand the atmosphere of your living room.
