Ticket prices have been a hot topic ahead of the World Cup, with FIFA celebrating a last-minute strategy aimed at boosting attendance.
FIFA is concerned about attendance numbers for World Cup matches (Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Football supporters will be given free tickets to the World Cup amid fears some matches will be played in half-empty stadiums. With the tournament starting next week, FIFA is concerned about attendance numbers, with fans continuing to be disappointed by the staggering prices of tickets.
For example, the cheapest ticket for England’s opener against Croatia on June 17 was on sale on FIFA’s resale platform in April for as little as $898 (£628). Despite the backlash, FIFA president Gianni Infantino awkwardly defended the $2 million (£1.47 million) ticket, which hit the resale market.
But Saudi fans don’t even have to take out their wallets. Their football association confirmed they will be handing out free tickets to supporters during the tournament.
The move is not without precedent, with FIFA handing out free tickets to last summer’s Club World Cup in the United States to boost attendance. On Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia announced, “The countdown to the FIFA World Cup begins!”
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“On this occasion, Saudi Arabia will offer free tickets to fans of the Saudi national team in the United States. We wish our national team the best of luck as they represent the Kingdom with pride, passion and the full power of the nation.”
Saudi fans who traveled to North America for the tournament against Uruguay in Miami are lining up to receive free tickets. The Sun reported that FIFA had given its blessing to the strategy.
Tickets for Saudi Arabia’s group stage matches are going for up to $3,000 (about £2,230), but there are thousands of seats available. Georgios Donis’ side will also face Spain and Cape Verde in Group H.
Meanwhile, FIFA is facing a legal battle over its controversial ticketing process. Attorneys general in New York and New Jersey are taking action after fans claimed they were misled about the category of tickets they purchased.
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Saudi fans will receive free tickets (Image: Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport asserted that “being honest about ticket sales is not complicated.” “However, FIFA turned World Cup ticket purchasing into a conundrum of confusion, false scarcity, and incredibly high prices, all at the expense of consumers and hardworking New Jerseyans.”
“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 been waiting for years to have the World Cup in their backyard. They deserve fair access to affordable tickets. No one should be manipulated into paying exorbitant prices for a seat, and fans should be able to trust that they will get the tickets they buy.”
FIFA declined to comment when contacted by Mirror Football.
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