Authorities in California are in touch with FIFA regarding potential unlawful practices surrounding the sale of 2026 World Cup tickets, after customers complained they were deceived while trying to purchase them.
The probe into allegations that some fans buying tickets for seats designated as premium category one have been given second category ones has been confirmed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The controversy comes as some supporters allege they were misled by the colours of stadium seat maps shown by the global football authority during sales for the USA, Canada, and Mexico-hosted tournament.
More than 3 million tickets have reportedly been sold across 4 ticket categories, but supporters are concerned that the seat maps used were merely indicative and not accurate for the seat allocation.
Mr Bonta confirmed: ‘ consumers expect to be given accurate information when they are making purchasing decisions.’
He has requested more information from FIFA as to when stadium seat maps were changed and how many fans have been affected.
FIFA denied all wrongdoing after they explained that the ticket sale seat maps shown online are “illustrative”.
The controversy, which has attracted a fair bit of negative press, adds to existing criticism of FIFA’s 2026 World Cup ticket pricing. Fans believe the prices are unaffordable for ‘average’ supporters.
