PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Global demand for FIFA World Cup tickets has been extraordinary, with the organization reporting 20 million requests so far. Amid complaints about affordability, FIFA announced a new ticket pricing tier on Tuesday, but many fans question whether it will make a real difference.
The new tier will offer tickets at $60 each for all 104 matches, including the final. FIFA says the goal is to help loyal fans follow their teams without breaking the bank.
“I think it’s great,” said Bill Boyle, manager of “The Post” on S. 30th Street in Philadelphia. “They’ve lowered the ticket prices recently, and that’s going to make it so much more affordable.”
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According to FIFA, 50% of each country’s ticket allocation will fall into the most affordable categories, 40% in the Supporter Value Tier and 10% in the new $60 Entry Tier. The remaining tickets will be split between Standard and Premier tiers. Each participating nation will handle distribution, but details have not yet been announced.
Critics argue that the cheaper tickets will be nearly impossible to get.
“I think they’re just trying to do PR,” said Cecil Dixon of Chester, Pennsylvania. “It’s all PR. I don’t really think they care about the regular people.”
One fan organization, FSE, or Football Supporters Europe, has called current prices “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup.”
“It really shouldn’t be about the amount of money you have in your pocket,” said Erik Stellato of Center City. “It should really be about the passion you have and making dreams come true.”
Six World Cup matches will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia, and the excitement in the city is high.
“Just to have the World Cup here puts us in the international spotlight,” Boyle said.
Still, concerns linger about how many fans will actually secure $60 tickets through their country’s soccer association or otherwise pay the higher prices.
“I wanted to go to most of the matches, Dixon said. “I’m a huge soccer fan, but I’m not gonna pay an absurd price.”
A ticket lottery is underway for those higher-priced tickets now through mid-January.
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