New York and New Jersey subpoena FIFA over World Cup ticket pricing and allocation
Attorneys-general Letitia James and Jennifer Davenport allege fans were misled regarding seat locations and faced costs exceeding previous tournaments, prompting a formal probe into FIFA’s sales practices.
The attorneys-general for New York and New Jersey have issued a subpoena to FIFA, initiating a formal investigation into the pricing mechanisms and seat allocation strategies for the 2026 World Cup. The probe centres on allegations that the governing body’s introduction of dynamic pricing has resulted in ticket costs significantly exceeding those of previous tournaments, while fans have been misled regarding the specific locations of their assigned seats.
In a joint news release, New York Attorney-General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney-General Jennifer Davenport stated that prices for the 2026 World Cup matches had far exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament. The investigation specifically targets the eight matches scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which includes the final on July 19, as well as group stage and early knockout round games.
FIFA has utilised dynamic pricing for the first time, adjusting costs based on demand. When questioned regarding the elevated prices for tickets that went on sale in October, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the strategy by citing limited supply and high global demand. However, state officials argue that the pricing model has created an environment where consumers are manipulated into paying excessive amounts for access to the event.
The subpoena seeks detailed information from FIFA regarding its general event pricing structure, location pricing structure, and specific seat locations. Regulators are particularly concerned about allegations that purchasers were assigned seats farther from the playing surface than the category they selected. James noted that watchdogs had received guidance requests from fans who selected a seat in one of the four available categories at MetLife Stadium only to receive assignments in less desirable locations.
Compounding the confusion, FIFA contributed to seating discrepancies by late-introducing a premium "Front Category" ticket option after initial sales had already commenced. Davenport described the situation as a "gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices," asserting that the sales process has been detrimental to consumers and residents of New Jersey. The investigation aims to determine whether the discrepancy between purchased categories and actual seat assignments constitutes misleading conduct.
