FIFA World Cup Ticket Prices Spark Global Outrage

FIFA is facing strong criticism around the world after World Cup ticket prices rose far beyond the reach of ordinary fans. When ticket sales opened in January, prices ranged from $140 to $8,680. But the price has now reportedly climbed as high as $32,970 for the final match. Even more surprisingly, a single ticket for the final has been listed on FIFA’s own resale marketplace for up to $2.3 million, which is around Rs 300 million in Nepali currency.

FIFA has claimed that it has no control over resale prices, but fans are angry because the organization reportedly earns a 30 percent commission from every resale. The rising cost is not limited to tickets. Parking fees at stadiums have reportedly reached up to $175, while train fares have also increased sharply. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has claimed that all tickets will be sold due to record demand, but one survey shows that only 26 percent of Americans are excited about this World Cup. Because of the high prices, hotel bookings in 11 host cities in the United States have also been slower than expected. On social media, many fans are criticizing the tournament for becoming an event for corporate groups and wealthy people rather than ordinary football supporters.