New York, New Jersey attorneys general launch FIFA probe investigating World Cup ticketing policies | amNewYork

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport launched a joint investigation into FIFA’s World Cup ticketing policies and issued subpoenas to FIFA. The investigation is based on reports that fans were misled about seat locations and that FIFA may have contributed to higher ticket prices by creating fake scarcity through staggered ticket releases. FIFA declined to comment. The investigation is supported by the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and seeks information about FIFA’s ticketing practices, including at MetLife Stadium, which will host eight tournament games including the final. Ticket pricing has drawn major controversy, including changes to ticket categories and variable pricing that increased costs.

"New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport have launched a joint investigation into FIFA's World Cup ticketing policies, issuing subpoenas to soccer's governing body on foot of reports that fans had been misled about the locations of the seats they were purchashing for the upcoming tournament. The attorneys general announced the move Wednesday morning, also citing reports that FIFA may have contributed to soaring World Cup ticket prices by creating fake scarcity through the staggered release of tickets."

"The investigation, which is supported by the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), is seeking information from FIFA over its ticketing practices, specifically at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, which will hold eight games at the tournament, including the World Cup final. World Cup ticket prices have been the source of major controversy in the lead-up to the tournament, which takes place across the USA, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19."

"FIFA originally split general admission tickets into four separate categories, with Category 1 tickets being the best and most expensive and Category 4 tickets being the cheapest and generally furthest away from the field. However, the New York Times reported last month that FIFA created new front categories within those original sections, offering the most lucrative seats in venues at separate, more expensive prices."

"James and Davenport cited reports that fans who bought seats before the new zones were introduced were excluded from the best seats in each category and assigned to less desireable seats. The new front categories also cost significantly more than the original prices, which had already attracted attention and criticism. Prices for the 2026 World Cup have far exceeded prices at any previous World Cup thanks, in part, to FIFA's implementation of variable pricing, which allows prices t"

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