World Cup fans squeezed by botched ticket sales, steep water prices
It wasn’t too good to be true, but it was too good to be true.
World Cup fans still reeling from FIFA’s expensive water policy change have a new headache: Football’s governing body is demanding payment from nearly 60 people who received free tickets because of a glitch on the FIFA website at checkout.
FIFA confirmed the error with a quick response and issued a statement saying either pay up or stay home:
“The tickets requested by these fans are reserved and affected fans are invited to pay the correct amount. FIFA regrets the error and any inconvenience caused.”
So, did anyone think that a governing body that does not provide free water to fans in the summer heat would allow 60 people into stadiums without paying an entrance fee? Even when FIFA admitted its mistake?
A week before the start of matches at 16 North American venues, including SoFi Stadium, which will be called Los Angeles Stadium during the tournament, FIFA reversed its policy of allowing refillable plastic bottles when temperatures are high enough to justify it.
Plastic water bottles are no longer allowed, except for those sold in the stadium. During last summer’s Club World Cup, bottled water was selling for $4 to $6 in FIFA venues.
Coca-Cola products will be sold at all World Cup venues, including Dasani water. In a statement to The Athletic On Thursday night, FIFA responded to questions about whether it was influenced by commercial priorities.
“The decision to ban sealed water bottles is based on a number of factors related to safety and security, including reducing risks to players and spectators, ensuring a safe and efficient entry experience for all participants, and the availability of additional heat reduction and alternative hydration strategies in FIFA 2026 World Cup stadiums,” the statement said. The statement was included.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow questioned FIFA’s reasoning.
“Why buy a water bottle when you can carry your water with you? It’s cheaper that way and good for the environment,” says Chow. he told CTV News. “This is outrageous. They’re just trying to make more money. They’re already making billions of dollars. Stop it.”
Chow’s anger was likely compounded when he learned that the group stage had mistakenly matched 60 people who were required to pay for FIFA tickets, provided they were all in Toronto.
Complaints about fluctuations in World Cup ticket prices driven by advanced algorithms that can significantly increase costs depending on demand have been mushrooming for months. Prices adjust in real time and increase when interest increases.
A week ago, the attorneys general of New Jersey and New York launched an investigation World Cup ticket sales have also increased following reports that fans were misled about the location of the seats they purchased.
The attorney general has subpoenaed FIFA, requesting detailed information about ticketing practices for eight World Cup matches held in New Jersey, including the World Cup final.
FIFA’s total assets are approximately $6.14 billion and cash reserves are $3 billion.
The organization defended the high ticket prices by saying they reflected standard practices for major global sports and entertainment events.
Long-time football journalist Simon Kuper explained to The Times’ Kevin Baxter that FIFA is able to maximize its profits because it has no competition.
“If you think about McDonald’s or Nike, they’re trying to please consumers because they know consumers can go elsewhere,” Kuper said. “There’s only one World Cup, so FIFA is a monopolistic supplier. It’s more like one man running the till.”
Parking would be another opportunity to generate revenue. A spot about two miles from SoFi Stadium It will cost $300 For the USA’s opening game against Paraguay next week.
