FIFA is facing an investigation into allegations it misled supporters over tickets for upcoming matches in Houston and Dallas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is looking into claims that FIFA misled fans regarding the location and quality of seats sold to them. Sections of supporters allege that premium seats at certain games, costing over $10,000, have been replaced with tickets offering less desirable views than advertised.
Investigation Details
The investigation focuses on reports that consumers purchased 'Category 1' seats expecting premium views of the pitch, only to have FIFA adjust stadium seat maps after these tickets had been bought. Those seats are then alleged to have been moved into sections originally designated as 'Category 2' instead.
Houston will host games involving Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, while the likes of England and Lionel Messi's Argentina will play in Dallas.
Paxton said: "I will work to ensure that FIFA is engaging in ethical and honest business practices so that Texas fans are treated fairly. Sports have a unique power to bring people together, and FIFA must understand that Texans take their competition - and their consumer rights - seriously."
However, the investigation is expected to fall on deaf ears, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino insisting his organisation remains relaxed about potential legal investigations into ticket sales.
Weather Concerns
It comes as World Cup organisers are bracing themselves for a tropical storm disrupting Houston's opening game of the tournament this weekend. The clash between Germany and minnows Curacao in the Houston Stadium could be delayed come kick-off.
Local meteorologists have predicted there is up to a 70 per cent chance of thunder and lightning ahead of the Group E showdown on Sunday. Up to three inches of rainfall could hit Houston, with almost double this amount affecting isolated areas at the start of next week.
The stadium does have a retractable roof, but organisers are more concerned with the possible disruption caused to those planning to travel to the game. The weather is expected to cause massive disruption throughout the United States during the finals.
England's friendly with Costa Rica earlier this week was delayed due to severe rain in Florida. Houston could well be one of the worst affected host cities, due to its geographical location on the Gulf Coast, which is renowned for unpredictable summer weather.
Preparations and Safety Measures
Houston officials have spent months preparing for a combination of intense summer heat and tropical storms. Strict lightning protocols will be implemented at the downtown Fan Festival to safeguard all supporters flooding into the Texas city. Visitors intending to attend outdoor facilities have been warned to be prepared for sudden weather shifts.
Local meteorologist Jeff Lindner said: "The first issue is obviously going to be the heat. We know that some of the folks that are planning to come are coming from areas that aren't accustomed to the high heat and humidity that we have here in our summer months. And if there's lightning within eight, 12 or 15 miles of that location, there's different steps that are going to be taken to make sure people are protected through that duration of the fan festival."
During the tournament, organisers and emergency services will activate a 'Unified Area Command' and 'Multiagency Co-ordination Centre' alongside a 'Joint Information Centre' to track conditions around the clock.
