NEW YORK (AP) — FIFA is under fresh scrutiny for sky-high World Cup ticket prices and sales tactics that fans say left them with worse deals than they wanted.
The attorneys general in New York and New Jersey announced Tuesday that they are investigating whether FIFA's ticketing practices violated consumer protection laws.
New Jersey is hosting eight World Cup matches, including the final. The attorneys general have sent subpoenas to FIFA demanding information on a range of ticketing issues.
Investigation Focus
Investigators are examining FIFA's use of "variable pricing" models that sent ticket prices soaring for most matches.
They are also looking into redrawn stadium maps that fans say relocated their seats far from the pitch.
The inquiry focuses primarily on ticketing practices for matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Working with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, the AGs aim to determine if consumers were misled or treated unfairly.
Official Reactions
"New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard, and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets," said New York Attorney General Letitia James.
"No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive."
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport accused FIFA of turning the act of buying a World Cup ticket "into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices."
She called it an honor for New Jersey to host the World Cup, but added: "the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors."
FIFA declined to comment.
Tournament Details
The World Cup kicks off June 11 with matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico.
The first match at MetLife Stadium — temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the event — pits Brazil and Morocco on June 13.
The approximately 82,000-seat stadium will host multiple matches throughout the tournament.
Ticket Pricing
Some seats for the July 19 final are going for nearly $33,000.
Last week, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that 1,000 tickets will be made available to city residents via a lottery system.
About 150 tickets for each MetLife Stadium game, excluding the final, will be offered at a cost of $50 each.
FIFA previously made some $60 tickets available for every match, distributing them through the national federations of the teams playing in the games.