World Cup: US prosecutors open investigation against FIFA for high ticket prices

Worker installs new pitch at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, stadium that will host 2026 World Cup games, including the final
Angelina Katsanis/Reuters
The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey announced, on Wednesday (27), the opening of an investigation "into FIFA's ticket sales practices" for the 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11.
In a joint statement, New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said ticket prices for 2026 World Cup matches "far exceeded prices for any previous World Cup."
"Recent reports indicate that fans may have been misled about the location of the seats they purchased and that FIFA's public statements, as well as the sales process tickets, may have contributed to the exorbitant price increases," the attorneys general said in a statement.
For the first time this World Cup, FIFA implemented the "dynamic pricing" policy to adjust ticket prices based on demand.
Now on g1
Complaints from fans and allegations that some paid for tickets to a certain sector of the stadium, but received less desirable seats, drew the attention of state authorities.
When asked why Due to rising ticket prices since sales began in October, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the organization on several points, pointing to the limited supply of tickets for an event with global demand. The final, semi-final and final on July 19 will be held at MetLife Stadium.
"New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their city and deserve a fair chance to get affordable tickets," James said in a statement. "No one should be manipulated into paying exorbitant prices for tickets, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchased are the ones they will receive."
The investigation seeks to allay the concerns of fans who have purchased - or hope to have the opportunity to purchase - tickets but feel cheated out of the final product.
"FIFA has turned World Cup ticket purchasing into a veritable maze of confusion, false scarcity and absurdly high prices - all at the expense of New Jersey's consumers and workers," he said. Davenport in a statement.
James said enforcement bodies have consulted government authorities for guidance in resolving disputes from fans who claim they have chosen a seat in one of the four "categories" available at MetLife Stadium, only to be allocated seats further away from the field.
FIFA contributed to the confusion over seat locations with the late introduction of a premium ticket option, or "Front Category", after initial ticket sales.
FIFA also claims that the system dynamic pricing follows the pattern of the American market and reinvests 90% of World Cup proceeds in the development of world football.
Facade of the MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will host 2026 World Cup games, including the final
Angelina Katsanis/Reuters
Inflated transport
Fans still face other inflated prices. The most controversial example is on public transport.
It's simple to get from Central New York to MetLife Stadium, which will host eight games - including Brazil's debut and the final on July 19th.

The best option is to go by train, a quick trip of around 15 minutes.
Normally, a round trip ticket costs R$64. The problem is that this same trip during the World Cup will cost eight times more: US$105, the equivalent of around R$525 just to go to the game.
The stadium is completely surrounded by roads, which makes walking to the entrance unfeasible and dangerous.
It will also be possible to go by bus for around R$100, but only 18,000 tickets per game will be available on this service.

Source: G1

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