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Record-breaking World Cup prize money shows there’s no need fifa A head of fans have said “extortionate” prices will be charged for tickets.
Tom Greatrex, chairman of the Football Supporters’ Association, said FIFA risked “eliminating” much of what is special about its prized commercial asset if it does not crack down on ticket prices now.
FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that US$727 million (£545 million) has been set aside for competing nations, with the World Cup winners receiving US$50 million (£37.5 million). The total prize money is 50 percent more than the previous finals Queue In 2022.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing controversy over ticket prices, with fan groups accusing FIFA of failing to price tickets at a reasonable level for its most loyal supporters.
On Tuesday evening FIFA announced that some 60-dollar (£45) tickets would be available to fans who were part of their national association’s travel club or loyalty schemes for each match, but this is only 10 per cent of the country’s allocation per match, which is only eight per cent of each stadium’s capacity.
FSA Chair Greatrex, who on Tuesday urged FIFA to stop “playing the PR game” on ticket prices, said on Wednesday: “The record prize money shows there is no shortage of money associated with the World Cup.
“More teams, bigger stadiums, a greater number of commercial partners – which underlines that there is no need to charge extortionate ticket prices to supporters who bring life to the World Cup finals.
“Unless they rethink the ticket pricing model, FIFA is in danger of diluting the spectacle of the final by pricing out those who bring colour, atmosphere and emotion to the games – ironically, they are devaluing the ‘product’ for their commercial partners.
“It is not too late for FIFA to avoid the disastrous mistakes that have all but destroyed what is so special about the World Cup. They must act now.”
Under the prize money plan announced on Wednesday, FIFA said each country will receive at least US$1.5 million (£1.1 million) from FIFA for preparation costs and at least US$9 million (£6.7 million) to compete in the group stage.
The ESTC sent an update to members on Wednesday saying that based on early expressions of interest, £45 tickets would be enough to meet demand from ‘top capers’ – those with the most loyalty points – for all games up to the final.
If more ‘top capers’ apply between now and the closing of the application window on 13 January, the ESTC said there will be a mini-ballot, in which supporters and the FSA consulted on the fairest way to allocate tickets.
The ESTC also confirmed how many tickets will be available – from £45 per match – for the opening fixture croatia This will be 552. The highest number for the third group game will be 632 panamaWhile for the final the ESTC said 600 £45 tickets would be available.
Members were advised to apply by 11pm on 21 December, with the ESTC requesting FIFA application data after that date, which the ESTC could use to give members final guidance on their applications.
Top cappers who applied for tickets in the cheapest class before Tuesday’s announcement have been told they do not need to amend their applications.