The investigation, released by New York State Attorney General Letitia James and the New Jersey state co-author Jennifer Davenport on 27 May, revolved around the reflection of the fans claiming they were mistaken for seating positions, and at the same time the FIFA accused the FIFA had contributed to the promotion of ticket prices through the media and the distribution of tickets.

Although the issues reflected in the entire tournament, the focus of the investigation was the Ottawaness Field - which held 8 games, which included the final of July 19th. Letitia James criticized the situation in which fans had to pay too much but did not receive a suitable seat. "No one should be manipulated to pay the cut price for football tickets, and fans need to be assured that the ticket they buy corresponds to the position they get," she said.

The total scene of the Allemotion Stadium in the FIFA World Cup semifinals between Fluminense and Chelsea on July 8, 2025. Image: AP

Meanwhile, Mrs. Davenport accused FIFA to create a state of scarcity by retaining a ticket instead of opening the whole market to push the remaining tickets high. This is the question that once appeared in the fan community and the media, but was first raised by the jurisdictional law enforcement agency.

Shared in the release of the investigation also had Samuel A.A. Levine, the head of the UCWP Conservation and New York City Labor (DCWP). He claimed that FIFA's alleged behaviour may violate the city's consumer protection laws.

Following the investigation, New Jersey State Governor Mikie Sherrill also spoke in support. "No one is allowed to profit from New Jersey fans or people who come to our state to see the World Cup", her statement said.

FIFA GE Infantino chairman stated in the release of the 2026 World Cup tournament in Washington, USA December 6, 2025. Image: AP

Arguing about seating positions, adjacent to ticket prices, the division of seats also caused much controversy.

In September 2025, FIFA officials said the traditional ticket division system would be removed at the 2026 World Cup. According to the original plan, the entire low-level audience will be in the first place, the next floor in second place and continues to divide based on the distance to the courtyard.

However, at the opening of the sale, FIFA applied the mechanism that was almost like the previous World Cup periods. The first-class ticket includes the lower floors and a section of the courtyard between the two-story courtyard; second-class for the midfield; third- and fourth-class is located in the furthest positions in the yard.

By April, FIFA went on to add a new group of tickets to yard row seats at a higher price than the usual first-class ticket. According to the investigation notice, many who bought tickets before the time of the arrival of the new group of seats were not assigned to beautiful positions, instead receiving seats far from the courtyard or back of the goal bridge.

Usually, FIFA sells tickets in the previous category and then divides the specifics later. However, on social networking and in many articles, not many fans expressed disappointment because the actual location was not compatible with the amount of money spent.

In some cases, second-class buyers take seats at the end of the stadium.

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