The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey said they had subpoenaed FIFA over the soccer governing body’s ticketing practices after media reports raised concerns about fans’ seat locations for the upcoming World Cup.
The two attorneys general said in a statement they are specifically requesting details about ticketing practices for the eight World Cup matches being played in New Jersey, including the July 19 final.
According to the press release, some fans who selected and paid for Category 1 tickets, for seats in the areas closest to the field, were assigned seats farther back in Category 2 areas.
A Professor of clinical law at Brooklyn Law School, Jodi Balsam, says the subpoenas mean the attorneys general are seeking information and that FIFA has not been charged with any illegal conduct.
“This is a civil enforcement action. FIFA is potentially going to be liable for violation of civil laws, consumer protection laws, and in those settings, the kind of remedies available that the attorneys general might pursue, including refunds of the prices of tickets that consumers have already purchased, or partial refunds for variations in the location and desirability of the seats that they purchased.”
FIFA declined to comment.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s World Cup buildup hit a setback when Neymar skipped the team’s first training session for medical tests, putting his spot in the squad in doubt.
The Brazilian Football Confederation said the 34‑year‑old forward who is recovering from a right calf injury, skipped the closed session in Rio and was sent to a private clinic for imaging tests.
In a statement, the CBF says no further information will be released until the Brazilian national team’s medical staff have completed their assessments.
Carlo Ancelotti is already missing three players, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, and Gabriel Martinelli tied up in the May 30 Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG.
And Sweden have started their pre-World Cup training camp in Stockholm.
Sweden’s qualifying run was dismal, finishing bottom with just two points, but they reached the finals via Nations League C play‑offs, beating Ukraine and Poland.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Dejan Kulusevski will not be going to the World Cup due to his knee injury.
Kulusevski’s fellow forward Alexander Isak has also struggled with an injury this past season, but coach Graham Potter expects him to be able to deliver by the time the tournament gets underway.
Sweden will start their Group F campaign against Tunisia in Guadalupe, Mexico, on June 14th.
-Reporting by Lenay Booysen
