The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into FIFA’s ticket sales practices for the upcoming World Cup.
The offices of the two attorneys general, Letitie James of New York and Jennifer Davenport of New Jersey, noted in a press release that “they specifically ask for details” on ticket sales for eight games at MetLife Stadium, including the World Cup final.
The investigation will investigate a number of problems that came up with FIFA’s ticketing process. From pricing methods and categories to stadium positions and the artificial creation of a “first tier category”.
The investigation will be supported by the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), and FIFA has been subpoenaed for internal information and documentation. American media reports that it is Fr the most serious investigation ticketing system that has frustrated fans around the world.
FIFA is during the fall and winter sold millions of tickets for the tournament in four categories. Ticket prices were higher than the prices for corresponding matches at every previous World Cup in every category.
Even in the midst of backlash FIFA has increased the prices from October to November, again after the draw for the World Cup in December and again when the “last minute sales phase” opened in April.
However, FIFA changed stadium maps and sectors from one stage of sale to others. Some fans complained that they felt cheated and misled.
FIFA defended itself by saying that “all visual representations of ticket categories on the ticketing website, such as stadium maps and illustrations, are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the actual layout and boundaries of a particular stadium”.
As for prices, FIFA has consistently defended its approach as a reflection of North American norms and extraordinary demand and noted that a large part of the World Cup revenue is reinvested in the development of football around the world.
(China | Photo: FIFA)
