sports
Exorbitant World Cup Ticket Prices Creating Sticker Shock for Soccer Fans
Inglewood, California — FIFA is facing backlash for sky-high prices and fees for the upcoming World Cup, causing consternation among fans and providing fuel to critics who accuse soccer's world governing body of greed.
TL;DR
- FIFA is experiencing backlash over high ticket prices and fees for the upcoming World Cup.
- Ticket prices for the World Cup final on resale markets have reached staggering amounts, with some tickets listed for over $2 million.
- FIFA's official resale marketplace charges a 15% fee to both sellers and buyers.
- Top seats for the World Cup final were reportedly tripled in price to $33,970 on FIFA's ticketing platform.
- The average price for the cheapest tickets for group stage games on resale markets was $553.
- Transportation costs are also increasing, with round trip train fares to MetLife Stadium from Manhattan set at $98, significantly higher than the usual fare.
- New Jersey Transit is increasing fares to cover an estimated $48 million in costs for running trains during the tournament.
- Train tickets from Boston to Gillette Stadium will cost $75 round trip, compared to the usual $20.
- Vancouver is denying FIFA's request for a police motorcade for its president.
- High ticket prices may be deterring fans, as evidenced by low hotel occupancy rates in New York City on World Cup match nights.