‘Surprised’ Fifa hits back at New Jersey governor’s complaints over spiralling World Cup transport costs | OneFootball

Fifa is “surprised” by the outrage from local politicians who have blamed football’s governing body for the controversial prices for public transport at this summer’s World Cup 2026.

New Jersey Governor ​Mikie Sherrill insisted that Fifa “should pay” for the spiralling costs for trains to the host city’s MetLife Stadium, with a ticket set to top $100, despite usual fares priced at $12.90, according to The Athletic.

“We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach today on fan transportation,” a Fifa spokesperson said in a statement shared with The Athletic. “Original FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches. Recognizing the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 FIFA adjusted the Host Agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All Match Ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to Stadiums on match days.

“FIFA worked for years with host cities on transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation.

“FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America along with related economic impact. Many fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight matches scheduled. FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation.”

Fifa’s reaction is the latest twist in a saga that is threatening to overshadow the World Cup, with Sherrill maintaining that she will not “stick N.J. ​commuters with that tab for years to come,” adding “that’s not fair.”

Sherrill added that the city “inherited an agreement in which Fifa doesn't contribute a ‌single ⁠dollar toward transportation for the World Cup. And while NJ Transit is left with a $48 million bill to safely transport 40,000 fans from the stadium to wherever they're headed, FIFA is generating $11 billion ​from this World ​Cup. I'm not ⁠going to burden New Jersey taxpayers with that bill for years."

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Mikie Sherrill is upset with Fifa for not contributing to the cost of public transport for fans at this summer’s World Cup (Getty)

Sherrill was the latest political figure to pile pressure on Fifa president Gianni Infantino, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) also criticising the governing body.

Hochul said: “The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible. Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me,” she said, adding that such high prices won’t be “happening on the MTA.”

While Schumer added: “FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup,” he said, adding that NY residents were still being forced to foot the bill.

“The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile,” he said. He also demanded that the apex soccer governing body cover “transportation costs for host cities and states” in the U.S. “New York commuters and residents should not subsidize an $11 billion windfall,” he said.

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Return tickets from Penn Station to MetLife Stadium could cost travelers more than $100 during the World Cup games, a new report revealed (Getty)

England fans have taken a swipe at "another rip-off at this World Cup,” with Thomas Tuchel’s side due to play in New Jersey against Panama in the group stage.

Free Lions, the Football Supporters' Association's Fans Embassy service, responded on social media: "We were initially told the prices would remain as standard, however this potential news comes as little surprise.

"Another day, another rip-off at this World Cup. What on earth is going on?"

The reported increase for the New York/New Jersey venue follows on from authorities in Boston confirming their intention to quadruple return fares from the centre of the city to the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to 80 dollars (£59). England play their second group game against Ghana there, while Scotland's opening two games are being staged there.

Ticket-holders at the last men's Euros in 2024 received discounted rates on public transport in Germany.