Football fans are reeling after it was revealed that tickets for the Real Madrid versus Paris Saint Germain Club World Cup semi final are priced nearly eight times higher than tickets for Chelsea’s match against Fluminense — both games taking place just a day apart in the same stadium.
The cheapest seats for the Real Madrid and PSG clash at New York’s MetLife Stadium on Wednesday are selling for a jaw dropping $199.60, which is about £146.40. In contrast, fans attending Chelsea’s semi final on Tuesday at the same venue were able to grab upper tier seats for just $22.30 or £16.40.
That marks a 795 percent price hike for the Real vs PSG fixture, fueling outrage from football lovers around the world.
FIFA’s use of what it calls dynamic ticket pricing is at the heart of the controversy. The system, which raises or lowers ticket prices based on demand, caused Chelsea’s ticket prices to jump 66 percent in just 24 hours. Tickets that sold for $13.40 on Sunday shot up to $22.30 by Monday.
This same pricing strategy is already being used for next summer’s World Cup in the United States, raising fears that everyday fans will be priced out of the biggest games.
While Real Madrid and PSG have been playing in front of packed NFL stadiums throughout the tournament, Chelsea’s games have often seen large numbers of empty seats. To boost attendance, FIFA offered last minute tickets to Chelsea’s quarter final against Palmeiras for just $11. That match saw nearly 66 thousand fans fill the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
In a bid to ease concerns, FIFA says it is offering partial refunds to fans who bought Club Supporters tickets, which are not subject to dynamic pricing, if cheaper tickets become available in the same area.
A FIFA spokesperson explained, “Variable pricing has been implemented for general public ticket sales for all matches in the competition since the start of the ticket sales in late 2024. Prices have been and will continue to be adjusted based on demand and availability for each match.”
Still, the backlash is growing. One Chelsea fan, who wished to remain anonymous, told Kiin360, “The use of dynamic pricing at this Club World Cup is an alarming glimpse into the future if it is ever used in the Premier League. Loyal fans will be pushed aside for tourists as clubs chase the highest prices.”
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: football’s future at the highest level may come with a much higher price tag.
