Fan groups file EU complaint against Fifa over World Cup ticket prices
The Football Supporters Europe (FSE) network has filed a formal complaint to the European Commission against Fifa over excessive ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup.
The fan organisation accuses world football’s governing body of abusing a monopoly position to impose unfair purchasing conditions ahead of the upcoming tournament.
The highly anticipated global competition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on 11 June.
Despite widespread public criticism, organisers only recently introduced a scarce number of more affordable £45 tickets across the 104 planned matches.
Calls to abandon dynamic pricing
Campaigners are demanding an immediate halt to dynamic pricing models that fluctuate wildly based on intense fan demand.
The European coalition has urged officials to freeze costs entirely before the next major release of seats in April.
Further demands include improved transparency, requiring a minimum 48-hour public notice regarding category availability and exact stadium locations.
“Fifa holds a monopoly over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup and has used that power to impose conditions on fans that would never be acceptable in a competitive market.”
Bait advertising accusations
The formal grievance outlines six specific alleged abuses of power under strict European Union consumer law.
One major accusation involves illegal bait advertising, claiming the highly publicised cheaper seats are virtually impossible to secure.
Only around 400 bottom-tier tickets have been allocated for the respective group stage fixtures involving England and Scotland.
“Fifa point to their unconfirmed sales figures as validation of their unfair ticket practices, while the reality is they leave loyal fans with no other choice – pay up or lose out.”
FSE director Ronan Evain stated that campaigners had no alternative but to approach regulators following a complete failure by administrators to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Soaring tournament costs
Almost seven million seats have theoretically been made available for the expanded North American sporting spectacle.
However, the financial burden on travelling supporters has increased astronomically compared to previous international editions.
A single dedicated follower attending one match in every round of the upcoming competition would pay approximately £5,225 in the lowest price bracket.
By contrast, a similar seven-game journey at the 2022 tournament in Qatar cost just £1,466 for equivalent stadium access.
BBC Sport has contacted the international sporting federation for official comment regarding the ongoing allegations.
