LThere are less than six months left until the start of the North American World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Fans from all over the world are eager to attend games to support their national teams in the cities they play.
But there is one issue that is causing widespread dissatisfaction among supporters around the world. That means ticket prices are very high.
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FIFA appears determined to become even richer than it currently is through its World Cup match pricing strategy. Ticket prices are reportedly up to five times higher than at the previous World Cup, a situation some federations, including Scotland, have deemed outrageous. The Scottish Federation says the fees charged by world football’s governing body are unfair and has urged supporters not to spend excessive amounts of money to attend matches.
FIFA responds to complaints from European soccer fan group Football Supporters Europe
FIFA took five days to respond to European soccer fan group Football Supporters Europe regarding the high cost of tickets for matches in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Following strong criticism issued a few days ago, the world governing body announced on Wednesday, December 17, that it is introducing a new category aimed at making tickets more affordable for everyone, at least a wider fan base.
Under this new category, FIFA plans to release approximately 1,000 tickets to supporters of both national teams at each stadium where the match will be held. The European organization recognized the move as a positive step, but also said:
Revisions have not gone far enough.
Most expensive ticket in World Cup history
Ticket prices for the North American World Cup are unprecedentedly high. The prices are very high and few fans can afford them, regardless of their passion for the sport.
Group stage ticket prices can range from $21 to $323, while World Cup final ticket prices can range from $128 to $1,550. Absolutely crazy.
The premium cost for the final will reportedly reach $4,185, which is several times more expensive than the final that will take place in 2022 and more expensive than any final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, regardless of competition.
The prices seen at the World Cup are very similar to those typically associated with NFL games.
This new $60 ticket category represents only 1.6% of the stadium’s total capacity. With Mexico and Canada holding over 60,000 spectators in some venues, opportunities for true fans to attend and cheer on their respective national teams are extremely limited.
Additionally, the issue of supporters with disabilities still remains, as no new fee structure has been announced for supporters with disabilities, and it appears there are no free companion tickets yet.
Football Supporters Europe wrote:
At this point, we view FIFA’s announcement as nothing more than an appeasement tactic due to negative global backlash.
Criticism intensified after the third stage of ticket sales, which ends on January 13, began, but demand soared after the match venue was revealed.
The greater the demand, the higher the ticket price, especially for fans who also have to consider airfare, lodging, and meals.
These “affordable” tickets will be distributed through participating national associations, with instructions for reasonable allocation.
It is requested that these tickets be specifically allocated to loyal fans with close ties to the national team.
Watching a World Cup match is a luxury, and for those financially strapped, watching from home may be the only option.
