New York and New Jersey subpoena FIFA over World Cup ticket pricing

The US states of New York and New Jersey have launched a formal investigation into FIFA regarding the sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, issuing a subpoena to the international football governing body. Attorneys General Letitia James and Jennifer Davenport allege that the organisation engaged in "fake scarcity and impossibly high prices," noting that costs for the upcoming tournament have far exceeded those of previous World Cup events.

The probe centres on FIFA’s first-time utilisation of "dynamic pricing," a model that adjusts ticket costs based on demand. State officials are scrutinising pricing structures, the accuracy of seat location descriptions, and fan complaints regarding misallocated seats. The investigation places particular focus on the eight World Cup matches scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, including the final on July 19.

In a joint release, the attorneys general highlighted concerns from fans who claim to have purchased tickets in one stadium category only to be assigned less desirable seats further from the playing surface. FIFA contributed to this confusion by introducing a premium "Front Category" ticket option late in the sales process, after initial tickets had already been sold. James stated that watchdogs had received guidance requests from fans seeking resolution for these disputes.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing strategy, citing limited supply and high global demand as the primary drivers for elevated costs since the initial on-sale date in October. However, state officials argue that the governing body has prioritised revenue over consumer trust. Davenport described the ticketing process as a "gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices – all at the expense of consumers and hard-working New Jerseyans."

Beyond ticket costs, the investigation acknowledges additional financial burdens for attendees, including public transport fares exceeding $100 from New York and parking fees of $225. The subpoena seeks detailed information on general event pricing, location-specific pricing structures, and seat assignments to determine if consumers were misled. The specific outcomes of the investigation and any potential penalties remain unknown.