Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has faced a fierce backlash from football fans after describing himself as a 'man of the people' while residing in tax-free Dubai.
'Man of the People' Comment Sparks Fury
The controversy erupted on Friday, December 3, 2025, in Washington DC. Ferdinand, 47, was acting as a draw conductor for FIFA ahead of the World Cup draw when he was questioned by the BBC's Dan Roan about ticket pricing potentially excluding ordinary supporters.
When asked if the cost of tickets for the 2026 tournament in the US, Mexico, and Canada should consider fans, Ferdinand replied: '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 added that he believed FIFA was conscious of the need for affordability.
Fans Highlight 'Staggering' Hypocrisy Over Dubai Move
The response was met with immediate derision online, with supporters quick to point out the apparent contradiction in his statement. Ferdinand relocated to Dubai in August 2025 with his wife Kate and their children, a move that means he no longer pays UK tax.
One fan wrote: 'Man of the people whilst sunning it up in Dubai dodging taxes.' Another criticised: 'I’m a man of the people but I have moved to Dubai to avoid paying tax that may go to… checks notes… the people.'
Many focused on the impact of his tax decision, with one comment reading: 'I’m a man of the people. So I moved to Dubai to avoid paying UK tax and stopped contributing to schools, hospitals and pensions for the elderly.'
Ferdinand's Defence and FIFA's Ticket Pricing
Last month, Ferdinand elaborated on his move to LBC, questioning whether UK taxes were effectively benefiting the public. 'If things like the health service... was absolutely flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldn't mind paying tax,' he said.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of significant controversy over FIFA's ticketing strategy for the 2026 World Cup. The plan uses dynamic pricing, where costs fluctuate based on demand.
Initial prices range from $60 (£44.69) for group matches to a staggering $6,730 (£5,013) for the final, with hospitality packages costing up to $73,200 (£54,490) per person. The system has drawn comparisons to the recent Oasis tour, where ticket prices surged dramatically.
Ferdinand, who shares young children Cree and Shae with Kate and is stepfather to her three teenage children, has said the move to Dubai was motivated by lifestyle, safety, and the education system for his family.
