FIFAs Profits Go Beyond The Stands…a New Commercial Obsession In The Name Of The World Cup

Prices reached unprecedented levels, ranging between $75 and $175 per day, exceeding in some cases the price of a ticket for an entire match in previous tournaments.

It seems that FIFA is seeking to expand its profits from the next World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, away from tickets and broadcast rights, as it launched an official website to reserve parking for ticket holders, thus adding a new source of income within a huge marketing system for the awaited tournament.

Reports indicated that prices in stadiums such as the Hard Rock in Miami start at $75 for group stage matches, and gradually rise to $175 for semi-final matches and the third-place match.
As for the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia, the cost of parking starts at $115 in the first round. These prices exceed, by comparison, the value of third-class tickets for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, which amounted to only $69.

The main reason for these exaggerated prices is due to the unique logistical nature of the tournament, as American cities rely heavily on private cars, unlike European fans who use public transportation networks.
According to a report by The Athletic, FIFA will seize large portions of the parking lots surrounding the stadiums for security purposes and create luxury hospitality areas, which will reduce the spaces available to fans and artificially raise prices.

Despite the launch of the site dedicated to booking through the company “JustPark”, the details are still unclear in some cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta and MetLife Field, which will host the final match, as the exact parking locations have not yet been determined.

Passes are non-refundable, and some locations require walking distances of up to 18 minutes from parking to gates.

In an attempt to alleviate the criticism, Meg Kane, executive officer of the organizing committee in Philadelphia, confirmed that the host cities will work to promote the use of public transportation, frequent buses, and shared transportation services.

However, FIFA remains solely in control of the sale of permits and the revenue generated from them.

For its part, FIFA defended its commercial policies, noting that the expected revenues exceeding $13 billion from the 2026 World Cup will be used to finance youth tournaments and support the development of football globally through the 211 national federations.

Source: “Media”