A number of FIFA’s U.S.-based staff “advised against the use of dynamic pricing at the World Cup but were overruled by the world governing body’s leadership,” according to sources cited by Matt Hughes of the London GUARDIAN. Sources said that some staff in FIFA’s U.S. office “initially favoured a different ticketing strategy to the one that has been used this summer, with the emphasis on more affordable pricing in general admission areas.” However, FIFA is understood to have judged that the World Cup “was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to maximise revenue due to the strength of demand and the wealth of the American market in particular.” It is unclear whether the ultimate decision on ticket pricing was taken by FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s office, but it “was approved by the organisation’s executive committee.” In a statement, FIFA insisted that “all elements of the organisation are aligned on pricing strategy.” A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA’s ticketing policy followed extensive consultation and agreement with all areas of the organisation. No alternative plans were ever presented, so there is no substance to these claims. We are enjoying record attendances, with more than 99% capacity across all games” (London GUARDIAN, 6/23).
WHO’S TO BLAME? In Philadelphia, Savage & Myers writes as the World Cup takes over the country, people across U.S. host cities have shared the same story: Fans in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, N.J., Seattle and Philadelphia “arrived at stadiums hoping their tickets would be transferred to no avail, with most facing issues with StubHub.” Other reports indicate that fans are “having similar issues on SeatGeek.” StubHub “blames FIFA’s tech infrastructure and the rollout of a new mobile phone app weeks before the tournament” for why tickets have not been transferring on time. FIFA has urged fans “not to buy tickets on third-party platforms,” saying that “it ‘may result in issues, including the inability to cancel or accept transfers,’ as well as a higher risk of fake or invalid tickets.” This confusion is in addition to the “long wait times, glitches, and extra hurdles placed on ticket buyers for original, face-value tickets from FIFA.” StubHub said that the launch of a new FIFA app before the World Cup began has “led to delays, failed transfers, and access issues that have affected all resale platforms, not just StubHub” (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/25).
