FIFA Slammed Over Soaring World Cup Ticket Prices

biennial FIFA World Cup

FIFA has been criticised for its extremely controversial  under heavy fire for ticket prices and policy for next year’s men’s World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A ten-day pre-sale window opened last week for Visa cardholders to register for tickets ahead of the October 1 release date.

But fans have blasted football’s global governing body for what it calls a “variable pricing” system, accusing FIFA of “living in a parallel universe” and showing little regard for supporters.

Under the policy, applicants allocated later purchase windows could be charged more for exactly the same seats.

FIFA insists variable pricing is different from dynamic pricing because human oversight, rather than an algorithm, sets the price changes, supposedly creating a gentler rise. Critics argue it’s still a cash grab.

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has launched a petition, “Game Over Greed,” demanding FIFA ditch the system, cap resale prices and reserve 15 per cent of tickets for local residents at a discount.

Ronan Evain, the executive director of Fans’ group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) echoed the outrage, warning that escalating costs will price out ordinary supporters.

“We think FIFA is sending the wrong message by putting (variable pricing) in place for the World Cup,” Evain said in a statement.

“Their key argument is the legal framework in the US wouldn’t allow them to do anything else – I find that very hard to believe.

“Where FIFA is being completely irresponsible is that it’s going to be an expensive World Cup – expensive to travel within the US, expensive to go to the stadium, with hardly any public transport.

“None of that is within FIFA’s control. What FIFA does control is the price of their tickets, and the one item where they could have acted to – at least symbolically – reduce the overall cost of the competition for match-going fans.”

To add to frustrations, many fans reported glitches while trying to enter the pre-sale draw, with prices hidden until after applications close on 19 September.

FIFA has confirmed only that group-stage tickets will “start from” AUD $90, with no upper limit publicly stated.

The backlash highlights a widening gap between FIFA and the people who fill stadiums. Unless the organisation reconsiders, next year’s World Cup could be remembered as much for its sky-high ticket costs as for the football itself, pricing out real football fans.

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Queensland Football Convention Returns in 2026 to Shape the Future of the Game

Football Queensland has announced the return of the Queensland Football Convention, set to bring together industry leaders, clubs and delegates from across Queensland and beyond for three days of networking, collaboration and celebration.

The 2026 Queensland Football Convention will be held from Friday 9 October to Sunday 11 October across Brisbane, featuring a packed program of expert-led panels, hands-on workshops and landmark social events including the Queensland Football Gala, Cocktail Networking Evening and a newly introduced Golf Day.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said the Convention continues to grow as the defining event on the Queensland football calendar.

“Every year the convention gets bigger and better. Football Queensland was proud to welcome over 1,000 passionate delegates last year, and the 2026 edition will dive into the major innovations and emerging trends impacting the game- from data and AI in football to performance, talent development and business growth through Future Club+.”

Sessions will explore key areas including player development, talent identification, officials, governance and the evolving role of technology in the modern game.

Weekly update: Latest NPL partnership announcements

Read here for this week’s updated list of the recently announced NPL partnerships across all regions in Australia.

NPL VIC

Dandenong Thunder 

Royal Stacks – Melbourne’s top beef burger restaurant, with multiple locations across the city. It is known for using premium ingredients to create bold flavours in every bite.

 

NPL NSW

UNSW FC

Pitch Ready – With over 30 years of experience in professional sport, Pitch Ready will help UNSW players to physically prepare and recover, ensuring they can play at the highest level.

Blacktown City

SETS AV – An events production company offering a unique set of services including audio visual production, streaming, installations and more for corporate events, charities and the community.

NPL SA

West Adelaide SC

Marcellina – Adelaide’s oldest pizzeria, Marcellina is a true culinary institution in the local area. Since 1967, it has offered delicious Italian cuisine to customers.

Playford Patriots FC

Enhanced Plumbing and Gas – A plumbing and gas services company that provides installation, maintenance, and repair solutions for residential and commercial customers across South Australia.

NPL QLD

Wynnum Wolves

Poolwerx Wynnum-Manly – Australia’s leading pool service brand, providing residential and commercial services, as well as pool products and DIY advice.

Olympic FC

Wellers Hill State School – Built on the motto ‘strive to succeed’, the school is committed to helping students reach their full potential both personally and academically.

Dermatology Clinics – A Queensland medical practice providing specialist dermatology services including skin cancer checks, diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, and cosmetic dermatology procedures.

NPL WA

Dianella White Eagles

Vert Capital – A corporate advisory and investment firm based in Perth which helps clients through financial advice, capital raising support and strategic investment solutions.

Yugo Metals Ltd – An ASX-listed mineral exploration company committed to advancing exploration projects in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

ENC Group – For over 40 years, ENC Group has provided services in project and contract management, engineering design, procurement, renewable energy and much more.

AiGentic Group – An Australian-based media and tech company revealing ASX news and talking points through two brands: Discovery Alert and StockWire X.

NEM Electrical – A trusted electrical services provider in Perth, helping clients across residential, commercial and construction projects.

Annex Risk Advisory – Trade insurance specialists providing tailored advice to local businesses. They value knowledge, experience, integrity and dedication to their client’s needs.

Western Knights 

Federal Hotel – A charming hotel in Fremantle city, providing accomodation in addition to entertainment, function spaces and high quality culinary creations.

South Beach Hotel – Open 7 days a week, South Beach Hotel helps customers unwind in a seaside environment with a welcoming atmosphere.

8 Knots Tavern – Located along the Swan River in Freo, the 8 Knots Tavern is the perfect place to relax in a peaceful setting with great food and drinks on offer.

Bicton Tavern – Bicton’s go-to place for a friendly and local feeling, accompanied by refreshing drinks and the chance to watch live sport.

CrozAsia – One of Australia’s leading fresh produce exporting companies. Established in 1980, CrozAsia offer exceptional customer service and trade expertise.

Olympic Kingsway SC 

Civil Safety RTO – One of Australia’s best safety and training providers, offering clients the chance to complete training courses, qualifications, high-risk tickets and more.

Armadale SC

Complete Approvals WA – A Western Australia consultancy that assists builders and property owners with building approvals, permits, and compliance documentation for residential and commercial developments.

Stirling Macedonia

iTechworld – An Australian company that makes lithium batteries, solar products, and portable power systems for camping, caravans, and off-grid energy use.

 

NPL Northern NSW

Kahibah FC

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital (U18 sponsor) – A 187-bed acute medical and advanced surgical facility committed to providing world class care and treatment to its patients.

NPL TAS

South Hobart FC

ABC Healthcare Services – A Tasmanian-owned cleaning and hygiene company based in Moonah that provides commercial and residential cleaning services across the region.

NPL Northern Territory

Casuarina FC

NT EX Solutions – Specialising in electrical and hazardous area services in the Northern Territory, NT EX Solutions provide high quality service in repairs, maintenance and installation.

Fannie Bay Cool Spot – A popular cafe-restaurant located in Darwin, servicing breakfast, lunch and dinner 7-days a week since 1998.

Tropic Cleaning Services – A locally-owned business in NT which offers commercial and industrial cleaning across Darwin and Greater Darwin.

Saunders Conveyancing NT – Led by Beth Saunders, the team at Saunders Conveyancing provides professional and personalised services for property purchases, sales and more.

ATF Services – A leader in temporary fencing, crowd control barriers and other safety solutions for construction sites, events and projects across Australia.

CTM Refrigeration – A mechanical services company specialising in the design, installation, servicing, and maintenance of commercial and industrial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems across the Northern Territory.

Azzurri United

Elite Physio – Located in Darwin’s CBD, Elite Physio are leaders in diagnosing and treating sports injuries, work injuries and post-op rehab.

All Hours Group – A quality plumbing and irrigation services privider located in Darwin with over 40 years of history and experience.

KF Group – A locally owned and operated construction company specialising in all multi-trade solutions.

Politis Roofing – Trusted roofing experts in Darwin, the team at Politis have been serving the region for over 30 years with quality roofing and cladding solutions.

Precision Group NT – A construction and maintenance company providing building works, decontamination and remediation, and grounds maintenance services to government, commercial, and residential clients across the Northern Territory.

Diamond Barbers NT – A Northern Territory barbershop offering professional men’s haircuts, beard trims, and grooming services in a modern, customer-focused environment.

Garuda FC

The Big Mower – Outdoor power equipment retailer which sells, services, and repairs products such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, and more for residential and commercial use.

HB Blocks & Pavers – A Darwin-based manufacturer and supplier of concrete blocks, pavers, and construction materials used in residential, commercial, and industrial building projects across the Northern Territory.

Dukes Cafe & Eatery – A Darwin café and community hub that services a range of food and drink options, as well as promoting local produce, cultural events, and employment opportunities.

GCPNT Plumbing Services – A Northern Territory plumbing company that provides installation, maintenance, and repair services for residential and commercial plumbing systems.

Soul Origin – An Australian café franchise chain that specialises in fresh salads, sandwiches, and barista-made coffee through a network of franchised stores nationwide.

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