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Rabat – The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have opened a formal investigation into FIFA’s ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup, issuing subpoenas to the governing body over complaints of misleading maps, hidden fees, and inflated prices.
Letitia James of New York and Jennifer Davenport of New Jersey said they are demanding details about ticketing for MetLife Stadium, which will host eight matches including the final.
Their offices, with support from New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, are seeking internal documents to clarify how FIFA handled sales.
The investigation comes after months of frustration from fans worldwide. Complaints include stadium maps that changed between sales phases, the introduction of a new “Front Category 1” at far higher prices after millions of tickets were already sold, and a lack of transparency in the process.
FIFA initially sold tickets in four categories, each tied to color‑coded stadium maps.
But those maps shifted over time, leaving some buyers with seats in different categories than they had expected.
In April, when tickets were converted to specific seats, many fans discovered they had been moved to less favorable sections.
Some supporters told reporters they felt “misled” or “scammed.” Hospitality packages added further confusion, with premium midfield sections sold for thousands of dollars while standard maps suggested those areas were part of Category 1.
Officials speak out
Davenport criticized FIFA’s approach, saying: “Buying a ticket should be simple. FIFA has turned it into confusion, fake scarcity, and sky‑high prices.”
James added: “No one should be manipulated into paying excessive amounts. Fans deserve to trust that the tickets they buy are the ones they’ll receive.”
Samuel Levine, commissioner of the DCWP, said reports of deceptive conduct were troubling and pledged enforcement action if violations of consumer protection laws are found.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also backed the probe, stressing that fans must not be exploited as the state welcomes the world.
FIFA has defended its maps as “indicative,” saying they were meant to guide fans rather than show exact seat layouts. Its ticket terms of use state that visual representations may not reflect actual stadium boundaries.
On pricing, FIFA argues that costs reflect North American market norms and extraordinary demand. The organization insists that revenue is reinvested into global football development.
FIFA declined further comment on Wednesday.
Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have been higher than at any previous tournament. FIFA raised them multiple times, after the initial sales in October, again in November, after the December draw, and once more during the “last‑minute” phase in April.
MetLife Stadium, renamed “New York New Jersey Stadium” for the event, was not singled out in earlier reports about map changes, but its seating plans did shift. Some buyers benefited, but the broader complaints applied across venues.
The attorneys general did not set a timeline for the investigation. With FIFA likely to challenge subpoenas, responses may not arrive before the tournament begins on June 11.
The probe marks the most serious challenge yet to FIFA’s ticketing system. As fans prepare to attend the biggest World Cup ever staged, officials in New York and New Jersey are pressing for transparency and for assurances that supporters will not be misled or overcharged.
