MAY 28, 2026
New York and New Jersey attorneys general subpoena FIFA over World Cup ticket pricing and sales practices
The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have sent subpoenas to FIFA, investigating whether its World Cup ticketing practices violated consumer protection laws. The probe focuses on FIFA's variable pricing model, which raised ticket costs for more than 90 of 104 matches by an average of 34% over six months, and on redrawn stadium seating maps that fans say placed them farther from the pitch than expected. Eight World Cup matches, including the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium, are scheduled to be held in New Jersey.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced the joint investigation, stating they are working alongside the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. The inquiry centers on ticketing practices for matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which has been temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. FIFA declined to comment in response to both outlets that sought a statement.
The subpoenas seek information on FIFA's use of variable, or dynamic, pricing — a model that adjusted ticket costs based on demand — as well as the organization's decision to release tickets in phases. James's office cited reports that FIFA raised prices on more than 90 of the 104 tournament matches over the past six months, resulting in an average 34% increase across the three main ticket categories. The state-level investigation will also examine whether FIFA's ticket release schedule and public statements may have contributed to rising prices.
Beyond pricing, both investigations address fans who say they did not receive the seats they purchased. According to the Washington Examiner, new zones called "front categories" were created within the four existing ticket categories, effectively relocating some buyers further from the field. In other reported cases, fans said they did not receive tickets for each category they selected.