FIFA faces lawsuit from supporter groups over World Cup ticket pricing

Two Organizations File Complaint with European Commission Against FIFA Over World Cup Ticket Prices

Euroconsumers and Football Supporters Europe (FSE) have submitted a formal complaint to the European Commission against FIFA, alleging that the organization has imposed excessive ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup final. The complaint states that FIFA holds a monopoly over ticket sales for the event and has used its power to impose conditions on fans.

According to FSE, the cheapest available tickets for the July 19 final start at $4,185, which is more than seven times the cost of the cheapest 2022 World Cup final ticket. In contrast, UEFA Euro 2024 final tickets were priced at 95 euros ($100). FIFA’s own bid documents projected an average ticket price of $1,408, but this number has been surpassed.

The complaint also notes that almost seven million tickets have been made available for the event, with each person limited to purchasing a maximum of four tickets per match and a total of 40 for the entire competition. Ticket prices have increased significantly for in-demand games, with most tickets costing at least $200 for matches involving leading nations.

FSE claims that FIFA initially promised tickets would be available from as low as $21, but instead, the cheapest tickets are being sold for $60 or more. Some tickets on offer for the final are being advertised at astronomical prices, including a category three seat for the game at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey listed at $143,750.

The complaint has been filed with the European Commission, which will review the allegations and determine whether FIFA has abused its monopoly position to impose excessive ticket prices.

Source: Al Jazeera