New York, New Jersey Subpoena FIFA Over 34% World Cup Ticket Price Rise
Updated
Updated · Financial Times · May 27
New York, New Jersey Subpoena FIFA Over 34% World Cup Ticket Price Rise
17 articles · Updated · Financial Times · May 27
New York and New Jersey subpoenaed FIFA over ticket sales for eight MetLife Stadium World Cup matches, including the July 19 final, citing soaring prices and complaints that buyers were misled about seat locations.
The probe centers on FIFA's use of dynamic pricing and its creation of new, higher-priced "Front Categories" after many tickets had already been sold, potentially leaving earlier buyers with less-desirable seats.
The attorneys-general said prices for the three main ticket categories rose an average 34% between October 2025 and April 2026 across more than 90 of the tournament's 104 matches.
California's attorney-general had already sought information this month on similar ticketing concerns, widening pressure on FIFA just over two weeks before the North America-hosted tournament begins.
FIFA, which declined to comment, has defended prices by pointing to strong demand as it targets more than $3 billion in 2026 ticketing and hospitality revenue.
As regulators probe 'fake scarcity,' could FIFA be forced to publicly reveal its secret ticket allocation and pricing data?
Will this investigation set a global precedent for how major sporting events must price their tickets fairly for fans?
Is FIFA's ticketing strategy alienating its core fanbase by turning the World Cup into an exclusive event for the wealthy?
FIFA 2026 World Cup Ticket Controversy: State Investigations, Price Gouging, and the Push for Reform
Overview
Attorneys General from New York and New Jersey launched a joint investigation into FIFA’s ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup after a surge of consumer complaints. The probe focuses on matches at MetLife Stadium, including the final, and was triggered by widespread concerns over soaring ticket prices and claims that fans were misled during the purchasing process. Many buyers reported not receiving the ticket categories they paid for and faced confusing, changing seating maps. The investigation aims to determine if FIFA’s ticket release schedule and public statements unfairly impacted prices and whether consumers were treated fairly.