Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing social media attack on fellow pundit Rio Ferdinand, following the former Manchester United defender's comments on the controversial cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup.
The social media spat erupts
The row ignited after Ferdinand, who is hosting the World Cup draw in America, was interviewed by the BBC. He was questioned about the eye-watering ticket prices that have seen FIFA come under intense criticism from fans worldwide. One listing on the official resale platform for a semi-final ticket was priced at a staggering £161,000.
In his response, Ferdinand attempted to strike a conciliatory tone. "I am a man of the people in terms of I'm from a place where we were always hoping for things to be accessible," he stated. He suggested that FIFA were "aiming and working" towards greater accessibility but defended the need for a "super elite" product that matches the spectacle on the pitch.
Carragher's brutal emoji response
Carragher, the former Liverpool defender turned Sky Sports analyst, did not hold back in his assessment of Ferdinand's remarks. Taking to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Carragher posted a brutal response consisting solely of laughing face emojis and a money bag emoji. The reply was widely interpreted as mocking Ferdinand's defence of the exorbitant pricing and his claim to be a "man of the people."
The exchange highlights the growing anger among football supporters as the 2026 World Cup approaches. With the draw set to determine the group stages, the focus has shifted uncomfortably to the commercialisation of the event and whether ordinary fans are being priced out of attending.
FIFA under fire for accessibility
FIFA's ticketing strategy has become a major point of contention. The organisation argues that a tiered pricing model is necessary, but the appearance of tickets for hundreds of thousands of pounds on its own platform has sparked a backlash. Ferdinand's comments, suggesting fans should work hard to justify the cost, have done little to quell the discontent.
Carragher's very public mockery amplifies the sentiment that such prices are indefensible, regardless of the "elite" experience promised. The incident sets the stage for further scrutiny on FIFA's handling of the tournament as the football world prepares for the draw and the expanded competition in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
