"Price gouging and profiteering, Mr Sandel notes, can exclude millions from communal experiences that should unite people, rather than divide them according to the size of their wallets. That is not good for democracy, nor is it a satisfying way to live. Ahead of the men's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico next month, millions of football fans would readily agree with the Harvard philosopher."
"In the latest phase of an opaque, manipulative process, Fifa has tripled the price of some of the best seats for the World Cup final in New Jersey to $32,970 (for the 2022 final in Qatar, top whack was about $1,600). On Fifa's Resale/Exchange Marketplace, tickets for the final have ranged from $8,970 to a laughable $11,499,998.85."
"For the US's opening group game against Paraguay in Los Angeles, the cheapest tickets initially offered were priced at $1,200. Even Donald Trump worried that might be too much for ordinary Americans to afford. A dynamic pricing system means that a few tickets may become cheaper closer to the tournament. Many are likely to become still more expensive."
"To add insult to financial injury, fans who bought early at prohibitive cost are discovering that the goalposts have now moved, as seats with the best views are hived off for even more lucrative hospitality packages. Factor in accommodation and transport costs for travelling fans, and it is clear that acc"
A critique of a world where everything is for sale describes how price gouging and profiteering can exclude millions from communal experiences that should unite people. Such exclusion divides society by wallet size and is portrayed as harmful to democracy and unsatisfying to live. Ahead of a major men’s World Cup, predictions of inclusivity are contrasted with ticketing practices that disregard the traditions of the sport. Some top seats for the final are priced extremely high, while resale and exchange listings show extreme price ranges. Early cheapest tickets for an opening match are still costly, and dynamic pricing can shift prices upward. Fans who bought early face further disadvantages as better-view seats are diverted into hospitality packages, and travel costs add additional barriers.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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