Attorneys General Investigate FIFA Over 2026 World Cup Ticket Sales
The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey, along with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), have launched an investigation into FIFA's ticket sales practices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The investigation follows allegations of deceptive sales tactics and artificially inflated prices.
Investigation Details
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and New York Attorney General Letitia James have issued subpoenas to FIFA as part of a joint investigation. The DCWP is also participating.
The investigation will examine how the ticket release schedule and public statements may have impacted pricing. The scope of the investigation includes ticketing practices for eight World Cup matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will host the tournament final.
Allegations
The investigation centers on allegations that FIFA engaged in practices that led to inflated prices and misled consumers. Specific allegations include:
- Ticket pricing exceeding those of any previous World Cup tournament.
- Creation of more expensive "front" category tickets released after initial sales, which some fans said misled them about seat locations.
- Variable pricing across different sales phases that, according to reports, allowed FIFA to raise prices for approximately 90 of 104 fixtures by an average of 34%.
Statements from Officials
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport stated that FIFA's ticket sales process has created "confusion, artificial scarcity, and high prices" to the detriment of consumers.
New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that New Yorkers deserve a fair opportunity to purchase affordable tickets and that fans should not be manipulated into paying high prices or misled about the tickets they receive.
DCWP Commissioner Samuel AA Levine said the body takes "allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously."
FIFA's Response
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing in May, stating that demand for tickets is "absolutely crazy." FIFA has declined to comment on the investigation.
Background
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin in days. In a separate matter, FIFA has previously required NFL stadiums hosting World Cup matches to replace artificial turf with natural grass.