FIFA under fire over extortionate World Cup ticket prices that could cost fans thousands.
A monumental betrayal of football's fans has been claimed by Football Supporters Europe (FSE) after the cheapest tickets for next summer's World Cup final were revealed to be over £3,000. The shocking prices have sparked outrage among supporters groups, who argue that these rates are nothing short of extortionate.
The news comes as England fans discovered that tickets to follow their team through the tournament could cost up to $16,590 (£12,375) in top categories. Clarity on ticket prices was provided by Croatia's football federation publishing prices for participant member associations (PMAs), which means tickets are sold at fixed prices rather than dynamic pricing.
FSE claims that the minimum price a fan can expect to pay to watch their team from the first match to the final is $6,900 (£5,137.74) – five times more than it would have cost in Qatar two years ago. The figure could double when factoring in costs such as flights and accommodation.
"This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is," said FSE. "We call on FIFA to immediately halt PMA ticket sales, engage in consultation with all impacted parties, and review ticket prices and category distribution until a solution that respects the tradition, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup is found."
Supporters groups across the continent are also speaking out against the high ticket prices. The England Supporters Travel Club discovered that the cheapest tickets for their opening match would cost $265 (£195) – significantly less than what FIFA has announced.
"This can't be allowed to happen," said Free Lions, an England supporters group. "Match-goers around the world deserve protection from these rip-off prices."
FIFA has yet to comment on the outrage surrounding ticket prices.
A monumental betrayal of football's fans has been claimed by Football Supporters Europe (FSE) after the cheapest tickets for next summer's World Cup final were revealed to be over £3,000. The shocking prices have sparked outrage among supporters groups, who argue that these rates are nothing short of extortionate.
The news comes as England fans discovered that tickets to follow their team through the tournament could cost up to $16,590 (£12,375) in top categories. Clarity on ticket prices was provided by Croatia's football federation publishing prices for participant member associations (PMAs), which means tickets are sold at fixed prices rather than dynamic pricing.
FSE claims that the minimum price a fan can expect to pay to watch their team from the first match to the final is $6,900 (£5,137.74) – five times more than it would have cost in Qatar two years ago. The figure could double when factoring in costs such as flights and accommodation.
"This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is," said FSE. "We call on FIFA to immediately halt PMA ticket sales, engage in consultation with all impacted parties, and review ticket prices and category distribution until a solution that respects the tradition, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup is found."
Supporters groups across the continent are also speaking out against the high ticket prices. The England Supporters Travel Club discovered that the cheapest tickets for their opening match would cost $265 (£195) – significantly less than what FIFA has announced.
"This can't be allowed to happen," said Free Lions, an England supporters group. "Match-goers around the world deserve protection from these rip-off prices."
FIFA has yet to comment on the outrage surrounding ticket prices.
! I mean, who in their right mind would charge fans THOUSANDS of dollars for a ticket? It's just not fair, you know? The prices are literally OUT OF THIS WORLD 
. And to think that some fans have to shell out $16,590 just to watch England play?! That's like, insane 
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. The fact that Croatia came up with a more transparent and fair system is just rubbing it in our faces 
.
. It's time for FIFA to step back, listen to their fans, and find a solution that works for everyone, not just those with deep pockets 
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. £3,000+ for a World Cup final? That's just heartbreaking 
. It's like they're pricing out an entire generation of football lovers who can't afford to follow their teams in person.
. I mean, we get it, ticket sales need to be managed, but this seems like a complete cash grab 
. It's supposed to be a celebration of football for everyone, not just the wealthy few 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll sort this out soon 
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. And what really grinds my gears is that these prices are basically double what we had 2 yrs ago in Qatar 
... it's like FIFA wants to suck the fun out of football 
. FSE is totally right - they need to take immediate action, review their ticket prices, and make sure that all fans can enjoy the World Cup without breaking the bank 
. Come on, FIFA, get your act together! 
! I mean, I get it, demand is high and all that, but come on, FIFA, you gotta be more considerate of your fans here 
. $16k+ for an England ticket? No way, Jose! 
. I've seen cheaper flights to Paris from London 
. It's all about making that extra cash off unsuspecting fans, and it's not cool, FIFA 
. They need to review those prices ASAP and find a more reasonable solution for everyone involved 
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That's like buying a whole new laptop 
!
seems like they're just gonna sit back and let fans be ripped off. But fingers crossed they'll listen to the supporters and do something about it 
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What has happened to the values of football as a sport and a community? The fact that ticket prices can easily double when factoring in additional costs like flights and accommodation is simply outrageous 
. It's time to make the World Cup more accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy elite 
. And what really gets me is that these prices are being sold at fixed rates, no dynamic pricing? That's like they're just trying to milk fans for every last penny 
fse is right tho it's a betrayal of football's fans
I'm so disappointed in FIFA right now 
. I hope FIFA listens to the concerns of the supporters groups and does something about it soon