FIFA slashes price of some World Cup tickets after global fan backlash
CBC6 days
FIFA Launches $60 Ticket Tier for World Cup After Backlash
Does World Cup ticket prices benefit passionate fans and prevent black market exploitation, or is FIFA pricing out genuine supporters?
Above: Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump hold a large World Cup ticket replica in the Oval Office on Aug. 22. Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
FIFA costs are scandalous exploitation that price out genuine supporters. This new ticket tier is merely a cosmetic gesture that fails to address affordability. It's outrageous that less than 2% of the fans attending World Cup games next year will be able to hit the lowest price point while the others will be forced to spend thousands of dollars.
Narrative B
World Cup tickets were making perfect economic sense even before FIFA announced the new $60 tier, as their price went up to prevent black market exploitation and to ensure that supporters who value games most highly will get seats. Some supporters' associations and high-profile politicians and pundits may have complained about prices, but the fact is that demand is running high for the tournament.