Around 60 fans secured World Cup tickets for “‘0 USD’ following a checkout error,” according to SKY NEWS. FIFA in a statement said that, “while it ‘regrets the error and any inconvenience caused’, it is now demanding fans pay up.” FIFA added the tickets “remain reserved, and the affected fans have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount.” Ticket Talk Network on X posted a screenshot of an email apparently from FIFA that indicated that fans had “seven days to complete payment or lose their seats.” Ticket Talk Network added that the affected matches “were all group stage games in Toronto.” The incident coincides with “intense scrutiny of World Cup ticketing for the tournament.” The New York and New Jersey attorneys general sent subpoenas to FIFA “demanding information on a range of ticketing issues, including the use of ‘variable pricing.’” That system has “proved controversial, after ticket prices soared for most matches and redrew stadium maps, which some fans argued had meant their seats were relocated far from the pitch.” On Thursday, the cheapest ticket for the final on SeatGeek was $7,869, including fees, while closer to the pitch, ticket prices were on sale from around $12,820. Goal.com reported the initial face value of seats for the final ranged from between $2,030 to $7,875 (SKY NEWS, 6/4).
FIFA seeks payment after glitch leads to free World Cup tickets
