FIFA on Thursday “pushed back” against New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill‘s request that FIFA help NJ Transit “defray some of the cost” of getting fans to MetLife Stadium for the World Cup this summer, according to Paul Kennedy of SOCCER AMERICA. A FIFA spokesperson said, “We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach on fan transportation.” They added, “FIFA has worked for years with host cities on their transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation. ... FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation.” Sherrill responded on X: “FIFA is charging fans up to $10,000 for a single ticket to the final. They’re charging over $200 for ‘premium’ parking at the American Dream Mall -- while eliminating parking at MetLife Stadium. They’re set to make $11 billion off of the World Cup overall. But New Jerseyans should foot a $48 million bill for transportation costs? Not happening” (SOCCER AMERICA, 4/16). THE ATHLETIC’s Adam Crafton cited a source as saying that a return ticket purchased via NJ Transit may “now be significantly beyond even the $100 figure” reported earlier in the week. He noted a price in the “region of $150 has been discussed within the agency this week” (THE ATHLETIC, 4/17).
AT WHAT COST? In Newark, Steve Politi writes it is “noble” that Sherrill has decided to stand up to FIFA on behalf of New Jersey taxpayers and commuters, but the “satisfying uppercut she is throwing at the world’s most corrupt sports organization will only hit soccer fans squarely in the face.” It is not FIFA President Gianni Infantino who “will have to dig into his pocket for a seat” -- it is the “family that already has spent thousands of dollars for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will pay this outrageous price for this 15-minute ride on an overcrowded train.” Politi: “Is it not fair to assume, when making this kind of investment for tickets to an event, that you’d actually be able to get there without needing to open another line of credit?” The World Cup has “become cartoonishly inaccessible for regular soccer fans.” Politi: “So, sure, good for Sherrill for taking a stand. ... But let’s be real. Your kid’s travel soccer team has a better shot at beating Lionel Messi and Argentina than New Jersey has of getting FIFA officials to pay a single extra penny for this” (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 4/17).
