FIFA Cancels Tickets for Approximately 60 Fans Who Received Them Free

FIFA Cancels Free World Cup Tickets Sold Due to Website Error

FIFA has issued a statement confirming that approximately 60 fans who received free tickets to the upcoming World Cup event have been affected by a website error. The tickets were allocated at no charge due to a prior payment issue during the checkout process.

According to FIFA, the error occurred on May 21, when tickets were sold through the official World Cup site. The organization has apologized for any inconvenience caused and stated that the affected fans will be invited to complete payment of the correct amount.

This incident is part of an ongoing investigation by attorneys general from New York and New Jersey into possible violations of consumer protection laws related to FIFA’s ticketing program. The World Cup, which begins next Thursday in Mexico City, still has tickets available for sale through various channels, including FIFA’s official resale platform.

FIFA’s surge pricing model has been a subject of controversy among fans, with some expressing concerns about seat prices dropping during less-demand games. Additionally, the organization is operating its own resale platform, taking a 15% commission from both buyers and sellers to cut out ticket dealers.

Tickets for the 2026 World Cup have been sold at significantly higher prices than previous editions, with FIFA citing the need to generate billions of dollars for member federations. The organization has taken control of pricing and selling tickets in-house, replacing the previous model that relied on host nations’ local organising committees.

Source: Al Jazeera