New York, New Jersey subpoena FIFA in World Cup ticket probe - ESPN

New York and New Jersey announced on Wednesday they have subpoenaed FIFA as part of an investigation into its ticketing practices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing soaring prices and reports that fans were misled about seat locations.

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said in a news release that their offices are seeking internal information about how FIFA sold tickets to eight World Cup matches scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, including the final on July 19.

«New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard, and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets,» James said in a statement. «No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchased will be the ones they receive.»

ESPN has contacted FIFA for comment.

FIFA's ticket prices have «far exceeded the prices for any previous World Cup tournament,» according to the joint announcement by the attorneys general.

This is the first World Cup in which FIFA has used dynamic pricing, adjusting ticket prices based on demand, and fan complaints about high ticket prices have dominated the headlines. One fan organization accused FIFA of "a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup" in December.

The attorneys general cited news reports that found FIFA raised the price of tickets for most of the 104 World Cup matches between October and April, with prices for the three main ticket categories rising on average by 34%.

The investigation promises to «examine whether and how FIFA's ticket release schedule, public statements, and other conduct may have impacted these