FIFA faces backlash after charging fans £60 to attend World Cup final press conference

FIFA has sparked widespread criticism after confirming that fans wishing to attend the official pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will have to pay £60 for an adult ticket and £26 for a child’s ticket.

The press conference, scheduled for Friday at New York City’s Javits Center, will be hosted by former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. FIFA president Gianni Infantino will appear as a special guest, alongside head coaches and players from both finalists.

For decades, World Cup final press conferences have been held exclusively for media and broadcasters the day before the match — free of charge. FIFA has now scrapped that tradition, moving the event to two days before the final and opening it to paying spectators.

Fans Can Watch — But Cannot Ask Questions

The event is being staged by FIFA’s commercial partner Fanatics as part of its four-day “Fanatics Fest” fan experience. A one-day adult pass is priced at 857.04 (£633.24). Fans in attendance will only be permitted to watch and listen — they will not be allowed to ask questions.

The event is described as giving fans a “rare opportunity” to see both finalists take the stage and hear directly from players and team representatives as they prepare for “sport’s biggest match”.

Photo with Rio Ferdinand Costs £126

For fans wanting to commemorate the occasion, additional charges apply. A photo opportunity with Rio Ferdinand costs £126. Other football personalities and sporting stars are available at varying prices. A picture with former MLB star Alex Rodriguez costs £239, while a photo with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is priced at £85.

David Beckham is also expected to take part in a live forum at the festival on Friday.

‘Cash Grab’ Criticism Mounts

The move has been widely described as a “cash grab” by British media, including The Times and the Daily Mail. It is the latest in a series of controversial commercial decisions during the tournament.

FIFA has already faced criticism over soaring ticket prices, with final tickets selling for $7,380 on FIFA’s own site, expensive resale listings, hydration breaks that allow broadcasters to insert additional advertising, and plans for an extended half-time show.

The governing body announced in May that Fanatics will replace Panini as FIFA’s official sticker and trading card partner from 2031, ending Panini’s 60-year association with FIFA.

Final Showdown

Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will pit Spain against Argentina, who defeated England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final.

Whether fans will be willing to pay £60 — plus another £126 for a photo — to watch a press conference they cannot participate in remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: FIFA’s commercial ambitions show no signs of slowing down, even as the tournament reaches its conclusion.