Controversy Over World Cup Transportation Costs Erupts in New Jersey
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has strongly criticized FIFA, holding the global football governing body responsible for the significantly increased transportation costs fans are expected to face during this summer’s World Cup. Governor Sherrill asserts that FIFA should subsidize these expenses.
Reports from The Athletic earlier this week revealed that New Jersey Transit plans to implement special event pricing for the 30-minute train journey from Penn Station in New York to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. A return train ticket to matches at the stadium could exceed $100 (£73.80), marking a seven-fold increase from the usual $12.90 (£9.50) fare. Furthermore, no concession prices are planned, meaning children and seniors will also be required to pay the full fare.
MetLife Stadium, which will be officially known as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup in line with FIFA’s policy on corporate sponsored names, is slated to host eight matches. These include a group stage game for England and the highly anticipated final on July 19.
Precedent and Financial Discrepancy
This situation follows similar fare hikes for matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston, where train tickets were vastly increased to $80 (£59), with coach tickets costing $95 (£70).
Governor Sherrill has been adamant that taxpayers and commuters should not bear the burden of transporting World Cup supporters. She highlighted the stark contrast between FIFA’s substantial earnings from high ticket prices for the matches and the financial strain on local transit. “We inherited an agreement where Fifa is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,” the governor posted on X. “And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48m bill to safely get fans to and from games, Fifa is making $11bn. I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come. Fifa should pay for the rides. But if they don’t – I’m not going to let New Jersey get taken for one.”
FIFA’s Response and Policy Adjustments
A FIFA spokesperson expressed surprise at Governor Sherrill’s comments. FIFA stated that supporters are expected to be able to travel “at cost” and noted that there has been no increased pricing for other major events held at the venue. The spokesperson clarified that the original FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements, signed in 2018, required free transportation for fans to all matches. However, recognizing the financial strain this placed on host cities, FIFA adjusted the Host Agreement requirements in 2023. The revised policy stipulates that “All match ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to stadiums on match days.”
FIFA also emphasized its long-standing collaboration with host cities on transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation. The organization underscored the significant economic impact the World Cup will bring to North America, with millions of fans traveling to venues like NYNJ. FIFA added that it is unaware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation.
Impact on International Fans and Additional Costs
The increased prices in New Jersey and Foxborough are set to significantly impact international fans, particularly those from England and Scotland. The England national team is scheduled to play Ghana in Foxborough on June 23, before heading to MetLife to face Panama on June 27. Scotland’s team has two games in Foxborough, against Haiti on June 13 and Morocco on June 19.
Beyond train fares, the cost of parking at stadiums is also notably high, with a space at MetLife costing $225 (£166) and Foxborough priced at $175 (£129) per car. BBC Sport understands that NJ Transit is expected to officially confirm its pricing on Friday.
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