FIFA has come under scrutiny as chief legal officers in the United States investigate the governing body's ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup. The Attorneys General of New York and New Jersey have issued subpoenas to FIFA, accusing the organization of “artificially inflating prices” and “misleading fans” during the ticket sales process.
Allegations of Misleading Practices
The investigation focuses on claims that supporters were misled about seat locations. It is further alleged that FIFA created a more expensive “front” category of tickets after initial sales had already commenced, leaving many fans with less desirable seats than anticipated. Additionally, variable pricing reportedly led to an average price increase of 34 percent for approximately 90 out of the 104 fixtures in the tournament.
Consumer Protection Concerns
The probe aims to protect consumers and ensure fair ticket sales for the World Cup. The attorneys general are seeking to determine whether FIFA's practices violated state laws against deceptive business practices. FIFA has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
This development follows earlier efforts by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who secured $50 World Cup tickets for New Yorkers after negotiations with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The investigation adds further pressure on FIFA to address transparency and fairness in its ticketing operations.
