"6.3 Million Won to Watch the World Cup Final?"... European Fans Outraged Over FIFA's 'Outrageous Prices'

World Cup Final Ticket Priced at $4,185... Seven Times Higher Than Qatar
European Fan Groups Claim "Abuse of Monopoly Position"

As the price of tickets for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup final approaches 6.3 million won, controversy is mounting over the ticketing policies of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). European football fan organizations have officially protested to the European Commission, alleging that FIFA abused its ticket sales monopoly to impose excessive prices and opaque sales conditions.

FIFA World Cup Trophy displayed at the 'FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola' event. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to BBC and other sources on March 24 (local time), Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a European football fan organization, along with the European consumer group Euroconsumers, raised concerns that FIFA abused its dominant position during the World Cup ticket price setting process.

The minimum price for the World Cup final ticket is 6.3 million won... Seven times higher than the Qatar tournament

In a joint statement, the two organizations asserted, "FIFA holds the exclusive right to sell tickets for the 2026 World Cup, and it is using this to impose conditions on fans that would be unacceptable in a competitive market."

They particularly pointed out that ticket prices have risen significantly compared to previous World Cups. The cheapest ticket for the 2026 World Cup final, to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, is priced at 4,185 dollars (about 6.3 million won), which is more than seven times higher than the lowest-priced ticket for the 2022 Qatar World Cup final.

The complaint alleges that FIFA has caused multiple issues, including bait advertising, an uncontrolled dynamic pricing policy, sales tactics that pressure consumers, and a lack of information regarding seat locations and refund policies.

The suspicion of 'bait advertising,' which is defined as illegal under EU consumer protection law, arose from FIFA's promotion in October last year that group stage tickets would start at 60 dollars. However, when fan organizations across Europe raised concerns that it was practically impossible to purchase tickets at that price, FIFA reportedly responded in December last year by releasing an additional batch of tickets at the same price.

Amid ticket price controversy... FIFA says, "Revenue is reinvested in football development"

Marco Scialdone, the litigation manager at Euroconsumers, criticized FIFA in an interview with The Athletic, saying, "Football is a sport enjoyed by people around the world, yet FIFA is treating World Cup tickets like luxury goods by leveraging its sales monopoly." He further urged, "The European Commission must intervene immediately to take provisional measures so that these exploitative practices can be stopped before the 2026 tournament begins."

In response, a FIFA official stated, "We have seen comments about the complaints, but no formal protest has been received," and added, "We are not in a position to comment at this time." The official further explained, "We strive to ensure that both existing and potential fans have a fair opportunity to attend matches. As a non-profit organization, FIFA reinvests the revenue generated from the World Cup into supporting the development of football across its 211 member associations worldwide."

Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 (local time), with matches to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.