The global football governing body, FIFA, is facing a fierce new controversy over its ticketing policy for the 2026 World Cup, with disabled supporters' groups accusing it of imposing an "unfair tax" and undermining its own inclusion pledges.
Accessibility Tickets Skyrocket on Resale Market
The Disability and Inclusion Fan Network (DIFN) of Football Supporters Europe has issued a statement expressing "profound concern" about the affordability of tickets for disabled fans. The core of the issue lies with FIFA's official resale platform, where specialised accessibility tickets are reportedly being listed for over six times their original face value.
This massive markup on the secondary market places essential seating and facilities financially out of reach for many supporters with disabilities, directly contradicting promises of an inclusive tournament.
A First: Charging for Companion Tickets
In a move described as unprecedented for the World Cup, FIFA has decided to charge for companion tickets for the first time. These tickets, which are crucial for many disabled attendees who require personal assistance, have traditionally been provided free of charge at major tournaments.
The DIFN has condemned this new policy, labelling it an "unfair tax on disabled supporters" that creates an additional financial barrier to attending matches.
Cheapest Tickets Unavailable for Disabled National Fans
Further compounding the problem is the reported complete unavailability of accessibility tickets in the cheapest Category 4 for national team fan allocations. The network has described this omission as "completely unprecedented" and a significant failure in equitable ticketing distribution.
This means the most budget-conscious disabled supporters are effectively blocked from accessing the lowest-priced official tickets for their own teams' matches.
The group argues that FIFA's current approach to ticketing for the 2026 tournament stands in stark contrast to its own statutes on human rights and inclusion. It also clashes with past public statements made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the organisation's commitment to disability access in football.
The criticism, raised on Tuesday 16 December 2025, adds to existing scrutiny over FIFA's handling of World Cup ticket prices and availability. It presents a major challenge for the organisers of the 2026 event, who must now address these serious allegations of exclusion from a key stakeholder group within the global football community.
