Colin

Football Supporters' Association statement on World Cup prices: The prices set for the 2026 World Cup are scandalous, a step too far for many supporters who passionately and loyally follow their national sides at home and abroad. Everything we feared about the direction in which FIFA wants to take the game was confirmed - Gianni Infantino only sees supporter loyalty as something to be exploited for profit. Prices for England's matches have been set as some of the highest, priced at $7020 if you want to follow the team from start through to the final. If you are "lucky" enough to reserve the cheapest ticket for the final you'll need to hand over $4185, approximately £3200 - that's £35 per minute of the game. FIFA call this the “Supporter Value” category - that's a laughable insult to your average fan. Supporters are expected to hand over all of this money in February to FIFA, who will keep it in their bank account to accrue interest. If England are knocked out before the final they'll then return it, minus an admin fee of course. They are beyond shameless. This is a tournament that is supposed to be celebrated by the world, where fans of all nations come together for the love of football. FIFA have decided to make it all about the money and the elite who can afford it. For FIFA, loyalty is not the hard-working fan travelling thousands of miles in support of their team at qualifiers around the continent. A game that should be for all is now only for those who can afford it. ACTION NEEDED We back Football Supporters Europe in calling for a halt in ticket sales and we are calling on the Football Association to work with fellow FAs to directly challenge these disgraceful prices. We call on all national associations to stand up for your supporters, without whom there would be no professional game. The most loyal fans feel they have been stabbed in the back. Those same fans, their passion, their colours, their noise will be missing in America, Mexico and Canada, unless significant price reductions are introduced. Supporters who have looked forward to this tournament for years, supporters who have been to multiple World Cups, supporters who were excited about this being their first tournament will all be missing as it will be unaffordable. Who needs to follow England away for disappointment when FIFA can deliver that six months before a ball is kicked? The life has been sucked out of this tournament before it starts.