Lawmakers demand answers from FIFA over soaring World Cup ticket prices
New Jersey lawmakers raise concerns about dynamic pricing, taxpayer costs and lack of transparency tied to World Cup events.
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Federal lawmakers are demanding answers from FIFA over World Cup ticket sales, saying the process has become confusing, expensive and unfair for fans.
Democratic Representatives Nellie Pou and Frank Pallone criticized FIFA’s use of “dynamic pricing” for the first time during World Cup ticket sales. The pricing model allows ticket costs to increase based on demand.
Pou and Pallone said prices for the World Cup final increased from $6,700 to nearly $11,000.
"We are deeply concerned by reports that FIFA is employing opaque pricing, shifting rules, and potentially deceptive practices that are making it difficult for fans to access seats," Pou and Pallone wrote to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The concerns come two weeks after New Jersey Republicans called on Democratic leadership to convene a hearing with the World Cup host committee.
Republican lawmakers said they want clarity on New Jersey’s financial obligations tied to hosting World Cup events, including how much taxpayers may have to cover, whether the state could be responsible if revenue falls short, and whether any protections are in place if costs exceed projections.
So far, there has been no response to the request for a hearing.
