European anger over World Cup tickets

After previously and unsuccessfully denouncing “astronomical prices,” the Football Fans Association in Europe (FSE) decided to file a complaint with the European Commission against the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) over what it described as “exorbitant” prices for 2026 World Cup tickets and “vague and unfair” purchasing procedures, according to what it announced on Tuesday.

In cooperation with the Euro Consumers organization, which represents consumers on the continent, the association submitted “an official complaint to the European Commission against the international federation,” accusing it of “misusing its monopoly position,” according to what it explained in a statement.

The association began its action in December when it expressed its dissatisfaction with the “exorbitant prices” that the International Federation intends to impose on tickets for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The association said at the time that it was “astonished” by the “astronomical prices... imposed by FIFA on the most loyal fans,” that is, those who can buy their tickets through their national federations to follow their countries’ teams through what is known as “participating association allocations” (BMA).

The association called on FIFA to “immediately suspend the sale of BMA tickets,” “launch consultations,” and “reconsider ticket prices” until a “solution that respects the traditions of the World Cup, its universal character, and its cultural value” is reached.

According to information obtained by the association, which confirms that it has seen “the price tables published gradually and secretly by FIFA,” following a team from the first match until the final “will cost the fan no less than $6,900,” meaning “nearly five times the cost during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.”

The association added: “To make matters worse, the lowest price category will not be available” for BMA tickets; Because these seats will be allocated “for general sale subject to dynamic pricing.”

She considered this “a huge betrayal of the traditions of the World Cup, and a disregard for the role of fans in creating the scene.”

She asked: “The file published in 2018 promised tickets starting at $21 (18 euros). Where are these tickets today?”

The association is now focusing on the principle of European competition law, considering that FIFA “exploited” its monopoly on selling World Cup tickets “to impose conditions on fans that would never have been accepted in a competitive market.”