Idman.biz
"Euroconsumers" and FSE (Football Supporters Europe), European consumer rights advocacy organizations, have complained to the European Commission about FIFA for abusing its monopolistic position in ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup.
Idman.Biz reports with reference to "Politico" that the complaint states that FIFA, having exclusive control over ticket sales, sets artificially inflated prices and non-transparent conditions for buyers. It is emphasized that these actions may violate Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibits the abuse of a dominant position in the market.
The organizations noted alleged violations such as the lack of sufficient transparency in the allocation of seats, the application of dynamic pricing policies, and the creation of an artificial deficit of cheap tickets. According to reports, the price of tickets for the final match exceeds $4,000 (6,800 AZN), making the tournament inaccessible to most fans.
The publication also writes that additional costs such as commissions for the resale of tickets, as well as the use of marketing tools that encourage users to make quick purchases, are applied. The organizations have called on the European Commission to take urgent measures, including the introduction of price restrictions and increased transparency of sales.
The tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, in which 48 teams will participate for the first time, will start on June 11 and end on July 19.
