FIFA under investigation over ‘misleading’ World Cup ticket sales
· Yahoo Sports
FIFA is facing an investigation into its ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup, with chief legal officers in the United States demanding answers over allegations of price manipulation and misleading fans.
The Attorneys General of New York and New Jersey have insisted that world football’s governing body address claims of "artificially inflating prices" and "misleading fans" regarding match ticket sales.
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FIFA has been subpoenaed to provide crucial information as part of the inquiry.
Reports suggest that supporters may have been deceived about the precise locations of their purchased seats, while FIFA’s public statements and ticket releases are believed to have potentially contributed to escalating prices.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and her New York counterpart, Letitia James, have specifically requested comprehensive details concerning ticketing for eight World Cup matches scheduled to be held in New Jersey.
These include England’s group stage fixture against Panama on 27 June and the highly anticipated World Cup final on 19 July.
It’s an honor to host the World Cup – but the event isn’t an invitation to exploit our residents.
— Attorney General Jennifer Davenport (@NewJerseyOAG) May 27, 2026
Together with @NewYorkStateAG, we're investigating FIFA ticketing practices that may have misled buyers and cause prices to soar.https://t.co/j4c05iKW1npic.twitter.com/BMFvEkF8yc
Davenport said: “Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated.
“But FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices – all at the expense of consumers and hardworking New Jerseyans.
“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct, and we are proud to stand together with Attorney General James in protecting our consumers.
“It’s an honour to host the World Cup, but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors.”
Supporters have reported they were “misled” about the location of seats, including through the creation of more expensive ‘front’ category tickets released after the initial sales.
It is also alleged variable pricing through various phases and subject to demand had allowed FIFA to raise prices for about 90 of the 104 fixtures by an average of 34 per cent.
The investigation will consider how the ticket release schedule and public statements may have impacted prices.
Supporters have reported they were ‘misled’ about the location of seats, including through the creation of more expensive ‘front’ category tickets released after the initial sales (Alamy/PA)James said: “New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard, and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets.
“No-one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive.
“I thank Attorney General Davenport for joining this effort to get answers from FIFA and protect our states’ consumers.”
New Jerseyans who have not received the World Cup tickets they paid for have been encouraged to file a complaint on the Division of Consumer Affairs website.
FIFA declined to comment after being contacted by the Press Association.