Attorneys general of New York and New Jersey launched an investigation into FIFA ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA is being asked to explain why ticket prices exceeded those of any previous World Cup tournament. Allegations include artificially inflating prices, misleading fans about seat locations, and creating more expensive “front” category tickets after initial sales. Variable pricing across multiple release phases is alleged to have increased prices for about 90 of 104 fixtures by an average of 34%. The investigation will examine how the ticket release schedule and public statements affected pricing. FIFA has defended costs by citing strong public demand, and face-value tickets were still available for most matches.
"New Jersey attorney general Jennifer Davenport called the process a "gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices". She added there would be a "thorough investigation of Fifa's conduct" with world football's governing body subpoenaed to provide information. A subpoena compels a party to release specified internal documents or information. Davenport made a joint announcement alongside New York attorney general Letitia James and the New York City department of consumer and worker protection (DCWP)."
"DCWP commissioner Samuel AA Levine said the body would be taking "allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously" and would look into allegations of "artificially inflating prices". In particular, Fifa has been asked to explain why tickets have "exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament". Fans have reported they were "misled" about the location of seats, including through the creation of more expensive 'front' category tickets released after the initial sales."
"It is also alleged variable pricing through various phases had allowed Fifa to raise prices for about 90 of the 104 fixtures by an average of 34%. The investigation will consider how the ticket release schedule and public statements may have impacted prices. Fifa has regularly talked up the demand for tickets, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino defending the cost by saying they reflect the public's "absolutely crazy" appetite for the summer tournament."
Read at www.bbc.com
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