FIFA has rejected calls from US politicians for the organization to cover the transportation costs for fans attending the World Cup. A spokesperson for the international football governing body expressed «quite surprised» by the development and a statement from New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill.
The FIFA stated that it is «not aware of any other major event,» including significant sporting events and global concert tours, that have previously taken place at MetLife Stadium where the organizers were obligated to pay for fan transportation.
Governor Sherrill, however, places the responsibility on FIFA. She criticized the organization on X, stating, «While NJ Transit is sitting on a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion.» She argued that «FIFA should pay for the rides» and that she «will not let New Jersey be taken advantage of.» Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, has also urged FIFA to cover the transportation expenses.
Fans may potentially face fares exceeding $100 for journeys to the matches. According to reports, New Jersey Transit plans to charge over $100 for trips from Penn Station in Manhattan to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In Boston, bus fares for round trips are being set at $95, with train tickets expected to cost $80. European fans have reacted with outrage to these reports from some US cities.
FIFA has indicated that Host City agreements from 2018 originally stipulated free transportation for fans to all matches. However, these agreements were adjusted «in recognition of the financial burden,» now providing «access to transportation at a fee for all match ticket holders and accredited individuals.» The tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada (June 11 to July 19) is anticipated to bring «millions of fans to North America» with associated economic impacts.
In contrast, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 European Championship in Germany, fans with match tickets received complimentary access to public transportation. The German national team is scheduled to play Ecuador in Group E on June 25 in New York/New Jersey, with potential knockout-round matches in Boston.