Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 14
New Jersey Seeks Share of FIFA's $11.2 Million MetLife Grass Sales
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 14

New Jersey Seeks Share of FIFA's $11.2 Million MetLife Grass Sales

3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 14

Summary

  • $11.2 million in potential sales from World Cup final grass patches has prompted New Jersey to demand a cut, arguing taxpayers funded most of the MetLife Stadium pitch.
  • Sean Higgins, a spokesperson for Gov. Mikie Sherrill, called the plan a "money grab" and said the state should share in proceeds from memorabilia tied to the July 19 final.
  • FIFA is selling 2.5-inch grass cubes for $450, $900 and $1,200, plus a $3,000 package with a larger patch and souvenir items; most proceeds go to the NYNJ Host Committee.
  • The sale extends FIFA's push for premium tournament merchandise, alongside $375 host-city jerseys, while final tickets on the secondary market start at $7,443.

Insights

With fans facing record costs, where do FIFA's billions in revenue truly go?
Is FIFA's World Cup a financial trap for American host cities?