FIFA threatened with restraining order over plans to sell World Cup final stadium turf

FIFA's plans to sell pieces of the grass used in Sunday's World Cup final have sparked political backlash in New Jersey.

One state lawmaker has even called for legal action to prevent the governing body from profiting from the pitch installed at MetLife Stadium.

New Jersey politician urges state to stop FIFA pitch sales

Assemblyman Michael Inganamort has urged the New Jersey government to seek a restraining order preventing FIFA from selling sections of the natural grass installed for the 2026 World Cup final.

FIFA is currently offering preserved pieces of the MetLife Stadium pitch as official memorabilia, with prices ranging from $450 to $3,000 (£334 to £2231).

Reports suggest the governing body could generate more than $11 million (£8,182,392)if every piece is sold.

However, Inganamort argues FIFA has no legal right to do so because New Jersey taxpayers funded approximately $13 million (£9,670,000) worth of upgrades to the stadium, including replacing the artificial surface with natural grass ahead of the tournament.

He also pointed to the fact that the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority operates the MetLife Sports Complex, claiming the playing surface should therefore be treated as state-owned property.

The Republican politician has called on Governor Mikie Sherrill's administration to use “every tool at their disposal”, including seeking a restraining order, to stop the sales.

Inganamort said: “FIFA needs to get off our turf, literally.

“New Jersey taxpayers funded $13 million in upgrades to MetLife Stadium, including replacing the artificial turf with grass. FIFA can't just sell off the soccer pitch without permission.”

He also argued that any sale of the surface should comply with New Jersey laws regarding the disposal of public assets and benefit local taxpayers rather than FIFA or the tournament's joint New Jersey-New York host committee.

FIFA has yet to publicly respond to the calls for legal action, with the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina scheduled to take place on Sunday.

FGG says: Selling the World Cup final turf was always going to cause controversy

With the final just days away, it seems unlikely FIFA's plans will be halted before kick-off, but the row raises interesting questions over who actually owns the World Cup final pitch.

If legal action is pursued, the dispute could continue long after the tournament has come to an end.