FIFA investigated by two US states over World Cup ticket prices and seating

FIFA is facing an investigation by the states of New York and New Jersey over World Cup 2026 ticket prices and the accuracy of seat locations.

New York attorney general, Letitia James, and New Jersey attorney general, Jennifer Davenport, said in a joint statement that matches "far exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament".

They added they are seeking information on general event pricing structure, location pricing structure, seat location and other details relating to the eight World Cup matches due to be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, including the final on 19 July.

FIFA, the governing body of world football, has faced criticism for its "dynamic pricing", which adjusts ticket costs based on demand.

It led to allegations from fans of paying for tickets in one location of the stadium but receiving a less-desirable seat.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, when asked why ticket prices were increased since the initial on-sale date last October, defended the governing body by pointing out that there was limited ticket supply for an event with worldwide demand.

The investigation seeks to assure fans who have purchased tickets, or intent to, but feel misled.

Ms 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 ⁠purchased will be the ones they receive."

She added that watchdogs had called on government officials for guidance to resolve disputes from fans who alleged they selected a seat in one "category" of the four available at MetLife, but given seats further back from the playing surface.

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Ms Davenport said: "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 hard-working New Jerseyans."

In a move that confused fans, FIFA introduced a premium ticket option, or "Front Category", after initial tickets had already been sold.

The joint statement by the two attorney generals said: "With investigatory support from the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), the attorneys general today sent subpoenas to FIFA seeking information about its ticketing practices.

"The attorneys general are specifically requesting details about ticketing practices at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will host eight World Cup matches, including the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026."

This summer's World Cup is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, and runs from 11 June to 19 July.

FIFA declined to comment on the case.

(c) Sky News 2026: FIFA investigated by two US states over World Cup ticket prices and seating