The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into FIFA’s ticket pricing practices for the upcoming World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament. The investigation, announced by New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, focuses on the high prices and seating arrangements that have left many fans frustrated.
Concerns Over Pricing and Seating
The attorneys general are scrutinizing FIFA’s ticketing process, particularly the changes made to seat maps after tickets were sold. Initially, the stadium was divided into four zones, with lower-numbered zones offering better seating. However, FIFA later introduced new zones, leading to complaints from fans who found themselves assigned to less desirable seats, far from the field or behind the goals.
Ticket prices for group matches in the U.S. started at $60 but soared to over $600, with final match tickets reaching as high as $10,990. On resale platforms, prices skyrocketed further, with some tickets for the final listed at $2 million. In response to public outcry, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an initiative to offer $50 tickets to city residents.
Legal and Public Reactions
New Jersey AG Davenport criticized FIFA’s handling of ticket sales, describing it as a confusing and costly process for fans. AG James emphasized the need for transparency, stating that New Yorkers deserve fair access to affordable tickets and should trust that their purchases will be honored.
FIFA has yet to respond to the investigation, though it previously stated that its pricing strategy reflects market demand. The investigation follows a similar inquiry by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is assessing whether California law was violated during the ticket sales process.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature matches across all three countries, with the first New Jersey match scheduled for June 13 and the final on July 19.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
