Fifa is under investigation in Britain over the pricing of World Cup tickets, with consumer advocacy groups piling on pressure. The complaint, lodged with the Competition and Markets Authority, alleges that the governing body of world football engaged in unfair practices by rigging ticket prices for the 2022 Qatar tournament. Sources confirm that the CMA has opened a preliminary probe, examining whether Fifa abused its market dominance to force fans to pay inflated prices for hospitality packages.
Documents uncovered by this newsroom show that Fifa sold exclusive ticket bundles to corporate sponsors at a premium, leaving ordinary supporters with limited access to standard seats. The complaint, spearheaded by the UK-based Fair Football Coalition, argues that the pricing structure violated consumer protection laws. 'Fifa treated fans as cash cows.
They created an artificial scarcity of affordable tickets,' said a spokesperson for the group. The investigation could lead to fines or mandatory changes in pricing for future tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup in North America. Fifa has denied any wrongdoing, claiming its pricing is transparent and market-driven.
But internal emails reveal executives bragging about 'maximising revenue streams' from ticket sales. The CMA has yet to comment, but the probe signals a broader crackdown on sports governing bodies. This is not just about football.
It is about accountability. And the suits in Zurich are running scared.
