The investigation was launched after the state attorneys general of New York and New Jersey formally opened proceedings against FIFA over its business practices.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the process as “a maze of confusion, false scarcity and unacceptably high prices.”
She added that a “thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct” will be conducted, and that the world football organization has received an order (subpoena) for the delivery of internal documents and information.
A subpoena is a legally binding order requiring a party to hand over certain documentation or data.
Davenport made a joint appearance with New York State Attorney Letitia James and representatives from the New York Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).
DCWP Commissioner Samuel A. Levine said allegations of “manifestly deceptive conduct” are taken very seriously, particularly regarding “artificial price gouging.”
FIFA was specifically called upon to explain why ticket prices were “higher than at any previous World Cup”.
Fans claim they were “misled” about the location of the seats, including the appearance of more expensive “premium” ticket categories that appeared after the initial sale.
It also said that variable pricing at different stages allowed FIFA to increase prices for around 90 out of 104 matches by an average of 34%.
The investigation will focus on how the ticket sales schedule and public statements may have influenced the formation of prices.
“It is not an invitation to exploit residents and visitors”
FIFA previously highlighted the high demand for tickets, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino defending the prices, claiming they reflected “absolutely insane interest” in the tournament.
However, as of Wednesday, nominally priced tickets were available for 86 of the 104 games, including all but 10 group stage matches, the dates of which have long been known.
The prosecutor’s office specifically highlighted ticket prices for eight games, including the final, which will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
“Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated,” Davenport said. “It is an honor to host the World Cup, but it is not an invitation to take advantage of our residents and visitors.”
Letitia James said local residents “deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets”.
“No one should be manipulated into paying exorbitant prices, nor should fans lose confidence that they will get what they paid for,” she added.
Samuel A. Levine pointed out that fans expect “transparency and fair treatment” when buying World Cup tickets.
He warned that allegations of breaches of consumer protection laws, including misleading about headquarters and artificial price gouging, were “very worrying”.
The investigation was launched after California Attorney General Rob Bonta had previously sent a letter to FIFA regarding possible deceptive practices in ticket sales.
Local organizers have been in conflict with FIFA for months over the high costs of organizing the tournament.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously criticized FIFA’s refusal to subsidize transportation during the tournament, stressing that taxpayers would not bear the cost.
After initially announcing that the fare would be $150, NJ Transit later reduced the price to $98.
Otherwise, a round trip from Penn Station in Manhattan to the stadium, about 18 miles away, usually costs about $12.90.
FIFA has declined to comment for now.
(Vijesti.ba)
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