Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and Euroconsumers have filed a formal complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of abusing its dominant position in the market through its ticketing strategy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The complaint alleges that FIFA has violated Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibits the abuse of a monopoly or dominant market position.
Allegations of excessive pricing and lack of transparency
According to the filing, six key issues underpin the অà¦à¦¿à¦¯à§‹à¦—, including excessive ticket prices, misleading promotion of limited $60 tickets, unregulated dynamic pricing, and a broader lack of transparency throughout the ticketing process.
FSE and Euroconsumers argue that European fans—many of whom must also account for long-haul travel to the United States, Mexico, and Canada—are being unfairly burdened by escalating costs.
“For months, we have urged FIFA to reconsider its aggressive and exploitative policies,†said Ronan Evain, executive director of FSE. “Fans are left with no real choice: pay inflated prices or miss out entirely.â€
Backlash grows despite record demand
FIFA has already faced mounting criticism over ticket pricing, with costs significantly higher than those seen at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In response, the governing body introduced a limited allocation of $60 tickets aimed at “loyal fans†of participating national teams. However, critics claim this move represents “bait advertising,†given the small number of tickets available at that price point.
Despite the backlash, demand remains exceptionally strong. FIFA reports receiving around 500 million ticket requests and projects up to $3 billion in combined ticketing and hospitality revenue from the tournament.
Call for regulatory intervention
Euroconsumers has urged the European Commission to take swift action, including interim measures to halt what it describes as exploitative practices before the tournament begins.
“Football is a universal passion, but FIFA is treating it like a luxury product,†said Marco Scialdone, head of litigation at Euroconsumers. “Opaque pricing and excessive resale fees are placing an unfair financial strain on millions of supporters.â€
FIFA response
In a brief statement, FIFA said it had not formally received the complaint and therefore could not comment in detail.
The organization reiterated its position that revenues generated from the World Cup are reinvested into the global development of football across its 211 member associations, emphasizing its status as a not-for-profit entity.
As scrutiny intensifies, the case could become a landmark test of how far global sports governing bodies can push commercial strategies in markets where they face little direct competition.