FIFA Must Explain World Cup Ticket Pricing

FIFA is required to respond to accusations that it has “artificially inflated prices” and “misled fans” in the sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup.

The demand follows the official launch of an investigation by the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey into FIFA’s ticket‑selling practices.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the process as a “gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices.” She added that a “thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct” would be undertaken and that the governing body would be subpoenaed to provide information.

A subpoena compels a party to release specified internal documents or information.

Davenport announced the investigation jointly with New York Attorney General Letitia James and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

DCWP Commissioner Samuel AA Levine said the department would take “allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously” and would examine claims of “artificially inflating prices.”

Specifically, FIFA has been asked to explain why tickets have “exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament.”

Fans have reported being “misled” about seat locations, including the creation of more expensive “front” category tickets released after the initial sales.

It is also alleged that variable pricing across different phases allowed FIFA to raise prices for about 90 of the 104 fixtures by an average of 34%.

The investigation will assess how the ticket release schedule and public statements may have affected prices.

FIFA has declined to comment.