European fan groups complain over FIFA's World Cup ticket prices
The FIFA logo is seen on the facade of FIFA headquarters before the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Christian Charisius/dpa Lobby groups Euroconsumers and Football Supporters Europe have filed a complaint with the European Commission against world football governing body FIFA over high World Cup ticket prices. FIFA is abusing its monopoly position to impose inflated prices and unfair conditions on fans, a statement said on Tuesday ahead of the men's tournament in North America in June and July.
"By imposing opaque pricing, dark patterns to pressure buyers and exorbitant resale fees, FIFA is placing an unfair financial burden on millions of European fans," said Marco Scialdone, head of litigation at Euroconsumers. "We are calling on the European Commission to intervene immediately with interim measures to halt these exploitative practices before the 2026 tournament begins. " A Commission spokeswoman confirmed that the complaint had been received.
It will now be examined under the usual procedures despite the tournament happening in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as FIFA being based outside the EU in Switzerland. If the review finds a breach of competition law, the Commission can ask those concerned - in this case FIFA - to end the infringement and can also set specific requirements. There is no deadline for the review.
Prices have risen sharply compared with the previous men's World Cup in Qatar. Prices for the final start at over $4,000, with the groups saying is more than seven times the cost of the cheapest 2022 World Cup final ticket. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the prices, saying the revenue generated would benefit football.
After sustained criticism, the world governing body introduced a special allocation of tickets for $60 in mid-December 2025. However, the cheaper prices apply only to a small number of tickets. Despite the prices, interest in World Cup tickets remains high.