FIFA has come under fire for its ticket pricing strategy for the upcoming 2024 World Cup, with loyal fans facing steep costs. Reports indicate that the cheapest tickets for the final match on July 19, 2024 are priced at over £3,000 (approximately $4,000). The Croatian Football Association (FA) disclosed ticket prices in its participant member association (PMA) allocation, intended for fans who attend multiple matches.
According to the Croatian FA, the minimum cost for a ticket to the final is $4,185 (£3,120) each. This revelation has sparked outrage from football advocacy groups. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) labeled FIFA’s pricing model a “monumental betrayal” of the fan community. The organization estimates that attending every match from the opening game to the final could cost fans around €6,900 (about $8,111), which is five times higher than what supporters paid during the last finals in Qatar.
In a statement, FSE expressed disbelief at the high prices imposed on dedicated fans. “This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is,” the statement read. The organization called for FIFA to halt PMA ticket sales immediately and to engage in consultations with affected parties to review ticket prices and categories.
The PMA allocations account for eight percent of a stadium’s capacity for each match. FSE criticized the lack of standard pricing across group matches, noting that costs seem to be determined by “vague criteria such as the perceived attractiveness of the fixture.”
On the other side of the fan spectrum, the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) is set to announce ticket pricing details to its members on Thursday afternoon. The supporters’ group Free Lions echoed FSE’s concerns, stating that the prices are “shocking” and exceed initial expectations. “This can’t be allowed to happen. Match-goers across the world deserve protection from these rip-off prices,” Free Lions stated on X.
For the opening match against June 17, 2024, England supporters can expect to pay at least £198 for the cheapest available tickets in the PMA allocation, as communicated by the Croatian FA.
FIFA is scheduled to open a random selection draw for World Cup tickets at 16:00 GMT on Thursday. All fans will have the opportunity to purchase tickets online until January 13, 2024, at fixed prices. The outcome of these sales will be communicated to fans after the sales window closes, with credit card charges applied accordingly.
Earlier ticket sales had utilized dynamic pricing, which fluctuates based on demand. FIFA has been approached for comment regarding the backlash over ticket pricing.
