/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F04%2Fimago1064027136.jpg)
FIFA have issued a strong response to the New Jersey Governor's recent comments regarding the high travel costs surrounding the 2026 World Cup.
The Governor defended controversial plans to charge supporters over $100 (£75) to travel to World Cup matches at the MetLife Stadium this summer by pinning the blame on FIFA.
FIFA issue strong statement against Governor's complaints
Earlier this week, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill produced a defence of plans for return train tickets from New York to the MetLife Stadium to cost more than $100 (£75) during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, more than seven times the usual price of just $12.90 (£9.50).
Sherrill defended the plans by arguing that FIFA has forced local authorities to cover the enormous costs of hosting the tournament, stating that they have been provided $0 for transportation during the World Cup, while New Jersey Transit will have to pay $48 million to safely transport fans.
However, FIFA have swiftly issued a statement in response to the Governor's claims, via The Athletic.
FIFA responded by saying they were “surprised by the NJ Governor's approach” on the transportation of fans, going on to state that they had already adjusted an agreement with host cities regarding such an issue.
The original agreement with host cities, which was signed in 2018, stated that all fans would receive free transportation to all matches, but FIFA adjusted this requirement in 2023 after recognising the financial strain this would place on the cities.
The new agreement kept the requirement for fans to be provided with transport to stadiums on matchdays, but with the change that cities would be able to charge a cost for such transport.
FIFA went on to say that they have had contact and worked with host cities for several years prior to the tournament regarding transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to help support these cities.
FIFA also directly responded to Sherrill's claims that New Jersey Transit would have to directly pay $48 million to transport fans to and from the stadium, saying “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.”
FGG Says: Blame shifted but fans suffer regardless
The blame may have been shifted from FIFA back to the Governor, but it is the fans who are suffering regardless.
FIFA keep the money from tickets, sponsorships and broadcasting, etc., while New Jersey will surely make plenty of money from the vast number of supporters visiting for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, it is the fans who have already had to pay extraordinary prices for tickets, and they will now also have to pay a remarkably high price for an 18-mile round trip to simply get to the stadium.