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FIFA faces investigation over soaring World Cup ticket prices

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FIFA is facing an investigation by the attorneys general of New Jersey and New York over allegations that the organization’s ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup have misled fans and driven prices sharply higher.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday that subpoenas had been issued seeking records and information about FIFA’s handling of ticket sales, particularly for the eight matches scheduled in New Jersey, including the World Cup final on July 19.

The investigation follows mounting complaints from fans about confusing ticket releases, rapidly rising prices and seat assignments that allegedly did not match what buyers expected.

According to the attorneys general, FIFA originally sold tickets using a seating chart divided into four pricing zones. After many tickets had already been sold, officials say FIFA introduced new premium zones containing the best seats within those categories at significantly higher prices.

Critics argue that the move left early buyers unable to access the most desirable seats despite purchasing tickets in the original pricing tiers.

Authorities are also reviewing complaints from some fans who claimed they paid for seats closer to the field but later received tickets located farther away.

“Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated,” Davenport said in a statement. “But FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices.”

James said consumers should be able to trust that “the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive.”

The attorneys general are also examining FIFA’s use of “variable pricing,” which adjusts ticket prices based on demand. Officials say FIFA increased prices for more than 90 of the tournament’s 104 matches, with average increases reportedly reaching 34%.

The 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, has already drawn criticism over rising costs for fans attending matches.

Some host cities are attempting to offset expenses. Philadelphia plans to offer free SEPTA subway rides after matches, while New York officials reportedly secured a limited number of $50 tickets for local residents.

It remains unclear whether Dave Sunday or Pennsylvania officials will join the investigation.

Source: Phila Inquirer

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