FIFA is concerned about low attendances at the upcoming World Cup, with some matches potentially played in half-empty stadiums due to exorbitant ticket prices. The cheapest tickets for England's opening match against Croatia were priced at $898 (£628) on FIFA's resale platform in April.
In response, the Saudi Arabian Football Association has announced it will distribute free tickets to its supporters travelling to the tournament. The Saudi embassy in the US confirmed the initiative, stating: 'The countdown begins for the FIFA World Cup! On this occasion, Saudi Arabia is offering free tickets for Saudi National Team fans present in the US.'
This move follows FIFA's own precedent of giving away free tickets for the Club World Cup in the US last summer to boost attendance. FIFA has reportedly approved the Saudi strategy. Tickets for Saudi Arabia's group matches against Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde cost up to $3,000 (£2,230), but thousands remain unsold.
Meanwhile, FIFA faces legal challenges over its ticketing process. The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey are investigating after fans alleged they were misled about ticket categories. New Jersey attorney general Jennifer Davenport said: 'Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated. But FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices.'
New York attorney general Letitia James added: 'New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard, and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets. No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices.' FIFA declined to comment.
