FIFA probes alleged World Cup ticket resale investment scheme in Miami

FIFA has opened an investigation into an alleged ticket resale operation promoted by a Miami-based company Ticket Kings, which reportedly sought investors with promises of high returns tied to the 2026 World Cup.

According to promotional materials, Ticket Kings aimed to raise 5.5 million dollars to acquire approximately 8,000 tickets for high-profile matches featuring national teams such as England national football team, Brazil national football team, and Scotland national football team.

The company allegedly assured investors of profits ranging between 50 per cent and 87 per cent within a six month period, presenting the plan as a rare opportunity to capitalise on global demand for World Cup tickets.

FIFA responded firmly to the reports, stressing that the large-scale resale of tickets for profit breaches its ticketing regulations. A spokesperson confirmed that the organisation’s enforcement team is actively reviewing the matter and will take appropriate action if violations are established. The governing body emphasised that its ticketing framework is structured to safeguard supporters and curb price manipulation.

The controversy surfaces as anticipation builds for the 2026 tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Concerns over affordability have already intensified, with reports indicating that ticket prices for the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey have soared to unprecedented levels. While some seats were sold for 8,600 dollars, one listing on FIFA’s official resale platform reportedly climbed as high as 230,000 dollars.

On its website, Ticket Kings states that its mission is to “democratize access to live entertainment.” Critics, however, argue that the strategy risks encouraging speculation and driving prices further beyond the reach of ordinary fans. The model appears to hinge on exploiting the gap between official ticket prices and resale market values.

It remains uncertain whether any investors have committed funds to the initiative. For now, FIFA says it is closely monitoring developments to ensure its ticketing system remains protected and to prevent black market practices from undermining the integrity of the world’s most celebrated football event.