Fifa ordered to explain World Cup ticket pricing

The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have been at loggerheads with Fifa over ticket pricing and transport costs

Fifa must answer questions after allegations of "artificially inflating prices" and "misleading fans" over the sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup.

It comes as the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey officially launched an investigation into Fifa's practices.

New Jersey attorney general Jennifer Davenport called the process a "gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices".

She added there would be a "thorough investigation of Fifa's conduct" with world football's governing body subpoenaed to provide information.

A subpoena compels a party to release specified internal documents or information.

Davenport made a joint announcement alongside New York attorney general Letitia James and the New York City department of consumer and worker protection (DCWP).

DCWP commissioner Samuel AA Levine said the body would be taking "allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously" and would look into allegations of "artificially inflating prices".

In particular, Fifa has been asked to explain why tickets have "exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament".

Fans have reported they were "misled" about the location of seats, including through the creation of more expensive 'front' category tickets released after the initial sales.

It is also alleged variable pricing through various phases had allowed Fifa to raise prices for about 90 of the 104 fixtures by an average of 34%.

The investigation will consider how the ticket release schedule and public statements may have impacted prices.

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Fifa has regularly talked up the demand for tickets, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino defending the cost by saying they reflect the public's "absolutely crazy" appetite for the summer tournament.

But as of Wednesday, there were face-value tickets available for 86 of the 104 matches and all but 10 of the group-stage matches, for which the fixtures have long been known.

The attorneys general in particular highlighted the cost of tickets for eight matches, including the final, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

"Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated," Davenport said. "It's an honour to host the World Cup but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors."

James said local residents "deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets".

"No-one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive," James added.

Levine said supporters should expect "transparency and fairness" when buying tickets for the World Cup.

"Reports of Fifa conduct in violation of the city's consumer protection law, including misleading fans about seat locations and artificially inflating prices, are deeply troubling," Levine said.

The investigation comes after California attorney general Rob Bonta sent a letter to Fifa, external raising concerns about "potentially misleading ticketing practices" earlier this month.

Local organisers have been at loggerheads with Fifa for the past few months over high costs.