Starmer condemns Fifa over World Cup ticket prices as US attorneys general launch investigation

Sir Keir Starmer has publicly condemned Fifa over its 2025 World Cup ticketing practices, calling the situation “unacceptable” and urging the governing body to ensure supporters are not “ripped off” ahead of the tournament, which begins on 11 June across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Prime Minister’s statement follows widespread complaints from fans who allege they were misled about seat locations and that Fifa’s phased ticket releases allowed prices to rise sharply. Reports suggest variable pricing across different sales phases enabled Fifa to increase costs for approximately 90 of the 104 fixtures by an average of 34 per cent, partly through the introduction of a more expensive “front” category released after initial sales had closed.

“Football fans should come first, that’s why I’m urging Fifa to take action to ensure people buying World Cup tickets are not ripped off,” Starmer told The Sun. “In less than a fortnight, thousands of passionate supporters will be making their way to the US, Canada and Mexico to cheer on England and Scotland. It is unacceptable for fans to be exploited for wanting to support their country on the biggest stage.”

Starmer’s intervention is not the only institutional pressure Fifa is facing. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and New York Attorney General Letitia James have formally demanded answers from the organisation, alleging it has been “artificially inflating prices” and “misleading fans” over match ticket sales. Their investigation focuses specifically on eight World Cup fixtures hosted in New Jersey, including England’s group-stage match against Panama on 27 June and the World Cup final on 19 July. The inquiry will examine how Fifa’s ticket release schedule and public statements may have contributed to rising costs.

This is not the first time Starmer has weighed in on football access issues in recent weeks. The Arsenal supporter previously called for the Champions League final to be made freely available to UK viewers, expressing disappointment that the match was not accessible to all supporters.

Fifa has been contacted for comment.