Fifa, world football’s governing body, is under investigation over its pricing model for tickets to the 2026 World Cup. British supporters’ groups have called for greater transparency, arguing that the cost of attending matches has become prohibitive for ordinary fans amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The probe, led by the Swiss Federal Office of Justice, follows a formal complaint filed by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) in London. The FSA alleges that Fifa’s tiered pricing structure, which varies by match stage and opponent, unfairly disadvantages supporters from lower-income nations and those facing economic hardship at home.
Senior FSA officials said that while Fifa has historically offered a “fan-first” pricing policy for early-round matches, the cost of tickets for high-profile games, including the final, has risen sharply. In 2022, the most expensive final ticket in Qatar cost nearly $1,600. For 2026, early estimates suggest top-tier prices could exceed $2,200.
“Football is supposed to be a sport for everyone,” said the FSA’s chief executive in a statement. “But when the price of a single ticket is more than a month’s rent for many families, the game is at risk of becoming a playground for the wealthy.”
The investigation will examine whether Fifa’s pricing practices violate Swiss competition law, which prohibits abuse of a dominant market position. The organisation, which is registered in Switzerland, argues that its pricing reflects market demand and the high cost of staging a global tournament.
Fifa has not commented directly on the investigation, but a spokesperson said it “remains committed to making the World Cup accessible to as many fans as possible”. The organisation has previously introduced a public ballot system and a capped allocation for national associations.
However, critics note that Fifa’s own financial reports show a surge in hospitality and corporate ticket sales, which now account for a growing share of its revenue. In the 2018-2022 cycle, ticket sales contributed $1.3bn to Fifa’s $7.6bn total income. The proportion of those sales from premium packages rose from 18 per cent to 26 per cent over the same period.
For British fans, the issue is particularly acute. The UK’s inflation rate, while easing, remains above the Bank of England’s target. A survey conducted by the FSA found that 62 per cent of respondents said they would not be able to afford a trip to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“There is a real sense of frustration,” said a spokesperson for the London-based Football Supporters Europe. “Fifa talks about legacy and inclusion, but its actions suggest it sees the World Cup as a product to be monetised, not a communal event.”
The Swiss investigation is expected to take several months. If Fifa is found to have breached competition law, it could face fines or be forced to revise its pricing structure. The FSA has also called for an independent fans’ advocate to be appointed to Fifa’s board.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, rather than 32. That expansion, which is expected to increase the number of matches from 64 to 104, has been cited by Fifa as a reason for higher ticket prices. The organisation says that the larger tournament will require “significant investment” in logistics and security.
But for many fans, the numbers do not add up. “Fifa is awash with cash,” said a supporter from Manchester, who attended the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar. “They could easily lower prices and still make a profit. It’s a matter of priorities.”
The investigation marks the latest in a series of regulatory challenges faced by Fifa. The organisation has been criticised for its human rights record in host nations, its handling of the bidding process for future World Cups, and the financial sustainability of expanding the competition.
A ruling is not expected before 2025.
