World Cup ticket prices have ranged from confusing to jaw-dropping — and now they’re the subject of a legal investigation.
The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey subpoenaed FIFA on Wednesday after fans complained of misleading pricing, wrong seat assignments and deceptive ticket categories ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Tickets start at $380 for entry-level seats and climb to $33,000 for the best views of the July 19 final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Resale prices have reportedly reached $2 million.
“No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport called the process “a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices.”
Ms. James and Ms. Davenport said they will conduct a joint investigation with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
Even President Trump has weighed in. “I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you,” he told the New York Post.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the prices, citing U.S. market rates — and offered a memorable olive branch to the biggest spenders.
“If somebody buys a ticket for the final for $2 million, I will personally bring a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience,” Mr. Infantino said.
The World Cup opens June 11.
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• N.Y., N.J. attorneys general subpoena FIFA over ticket prices
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