FIFA is facing an official investigation in the United States following allegations that fans were misled and charged inflated prices during ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey announced they had launched a probe into FIFA’s ticketing practices, with officials accusing the organisation of creating “fake scarcity” and driving prices higher across multiple sales phases.
New Jersey attorney general Jennifer Davenport described the ticket-buying process as “a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices”.
She added: “There will be a thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct,” confirming that the governing body had been subpoenaed to provide internal documents and information linked to ticket sales.
The investigation will examine claims that ticket prices for around 90 of the tournament’s 104 matches increased by an average of 34% as sales phases progressed.
Officials are also reviewing allegations that supporters were misled about seat availability and location, particularly after FIFA introduced more expensive “front” category tickets after initial sales had already begun.
Samuel A A Levine of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection said authorities would take “allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously”.
“We are looking closely into allegations of artificially inflating prices,” Levine added.
Investigators have also asked FIFA to explain why ticket costs for the 2026 tournament have exceeded prices seen at previous World Cups.
FIFA has declined to comment on the investigation.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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