FIFA calls it normal practice to review the budget before the World Cup // Photo: rte.ie .
FIFA explained its decision by its intention to reallocate 90% of the funds from ticket sales to the development of the global soccer community.
Fans are outraged
The budget cuts have raised numerous questions among American taxpayers (the U.S. bears the vast majority of the costs of the tournament – editor‘ s note) and fans who bought tickets to the matches at the highest prices in the history of the World Cup. Thus, the price of a ticket for the final, which will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York, ranges from $2,000 to $6,300. This is more than seven times more expensive than at previous championships.
“Shouldn’t be surprising.”
FIFA attributes the decision to its intention to better control costs and increase investment in soccer development around the world. According to an unnamed spokesperson for the organization, quoted by The Athletic (USA), this “decision should not be surprising, as budget audits are mandatory before all tournaments and events”.
The total budget for the World Cup, which will be hosted for the first time by three countries (USA, Mexico and Canada), exceeds $3.7 billion and includes prize money, broadcasting and operating expenses. The latter are estimated at about $1.12 billion. Thus, the budget cuts will amount to less than 10% of the operating budget.
The upcoming World Cup will be the first in history, in which 48 national teams will compete for the trophy instead of 32.
