World Cup 2026: FIFA ticket prices are exorbitant, says Free Syrian Army in official complaint

It also called for more transparency for fans when purchasing tickets, with at least 48 hours notice of the availability of tickets in each category and the location of those seats.

BBC Sport has contacted FIFA for comment.

The complaint, filed by the European Financial Services and Consumer Authority to the European Commission, says FIFA took advantage of its position “to impose exorbitant ticket prices, vague and unfair conditions and purchasing procedures on European fans.”

He said in a statement: “FIFA has a monopoly on ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup and is using this power to impose conditions on fans that would be absolutely unacceptable in a competitive market.”

The Free Syrian Army and the European Consumer Organization alleged “six specific violations” of FIFA’s position.

These include accusing FIFA of deceptive advertising – which is illegal under EU consumer law – while subsequently issuing cheaper tickets that were “so rare” that it advertised a price that was “genuinely unavailable”.

Around 400 £45 tickets have been made available for the England and Scotland group matches.

Ronan Ivin, director of the Financial Services Authority, said the group had no choice but to approach the European Commission due to FIFA’s “failure to engage in meaningful consultations”.

“FIFA points to unconfirmed sales figures as confirmation of their unfair ticketing practices, when the reality is that they leave loyal fans with no other choice – pay or lose,” Evin said.

According to FIFA, nearly seven million tickets have been made available for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For one person to attend eight matches – one in each round – at the World Cup, it would cost around £5,225 in the lowest price range, £8,580 in the middle tier and £12,350 for the most expensive tickets.

In 2022, he would have cost £1,466, £2,645 or £3,914 respectively, although that was for seven games.