The issue concerns tickets that are distributed by national associations among official fan clubs and participants in loyalty programs.
In a statement, the FSE noted that the cost of such tickets has reached exorbitant levels, making them inaccessible to ordinary fans.
To support their team from the first matches of the group stage to the final, a fan will need to spend at least $6,900, which is nearly five times the cost of tickets for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Additionally, to be able to attend the playoff matches, fans are advised to purchase tickets "in advance," in case their team progresses further. This means that FIFA requires prepayment for matches in which the team may not even participate.
The FSE also expresses concern that even with the possibility of returning "conditional" tickets, fans still face risks: funds may not be refunded immediately, and a fee may also be retained. Furthermore, FIFA has decided not to allocate the lowest category tickets – Category 4 – through national associations, reserving them for dynamic pricing sales.
FSE Executive Director Ronan Evain noted in an interview with Reuters that the high ticket prices have shocked fans, and in his opinion, FIFA is aiming to maximize profits from the tournament. He stated that the price of tickets for the final could reach $4,000.
"For a family of four, a trip to the World Cup could cost around $30,000. Most football fans cannot afford this, even in Europe," added Ronan Evain.
The association Football Supporters Europe urges FIFA to halt ticket sales through national association quotas and to start consultations with federations, fan organizations, and other stakeholders to find a solution that "respects the traditions, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup." At the time of publication, FIFA had not provided any comments on this issue.
