Supporters and potentially players from several World Cup nations may be required to provide substantial financial guarantees to obtain visas for travel to the United States. Simultaneously, European fans are voicing complaints about FIFA’s ticket prices.
Visa Bond Program and its Impact
On January 21st, US President Donald Trump implemented a program named the “Visa Bond Pilot Program”. This applies to citizens from 50 countries seeking tourist or business visas to the United States.
This includes World Cup nations such as Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. Last week, Tunisia was also added by Trump. To obtain a tourist visa, adults from these countries must pay a deposit of between $10,000–$15,000 (approximately $97,000–$145,000 Norwegian kroner).
The deposit is refunded if the individual leaves the US before the visa expires. US authorities state the costly scheme is effective in preventing illegal immigration.
Rising Ticket Prices and Fan Concerns
We see currently unclear if players from the affected countries will be required to pay the deposit.
In addition to the deposit requirement, high ticket prices are also causing concern. European fans are also complaining about FIFA’s high ticket prices.
This week, the supporter organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) sent an 18-page complaint to the European Commission, along with consumer organization Euroconsumers.
“Come on FSE! The ticket prices are far too high. You’ll see many who are not traveling this summer because the costs are too high. Ticket prices are just another step FIFA is taking that is moving football further away from the people. Football should be the people’s sport. Then the ticket prices must be reasonable,” says Ole Kristian Sandvik, chairman of the Norwegian Supporters Alliance, which collaborates with FSE.
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) said in January that 22,000 had applied for Norwegian tickets to the World Cup.
The complaint sent to the European Commission alleges:
- FIFA abuses its dominant position by having a monopoly on World Cup tickets
- There is a lack of transparency regarding ticket prices, categories, and seat allocation
- Prices are governed by a dynamic system without sufficient transparency
- Ticket prices are significantly higher than in previous championships
- Marketing of tickets from $60 is misleading
“For several months, we have urged FIFA to grab fans into consideration and reconsider its aggressive and exploitative ticketing policy,” says Ronan Evain, director of Football Supporters Europe in a press release.
“Football is a universal passion, but FIFA treats it as a luxury quality by exploiting its total monopoly on World Cup tickets,” says Marco Scialdone at Euroconsumers.
FIFA has argued that Americans are accustomed to sports being expensive and that a dynamic pricing system is more normal than in Europe.
“FIFA is committed to ensuring fair access to football for both existing and new fans. As a non-profit organization, the revenue from the World Cup is reinvested to develop football globally – for men, women and youth – through FIFA’s 211 member associations,” says a FIFA spokesperson.
The football World Cup is primarily being held in the USA, but there are also matches in Canada and Mexico. The tournament starts on June 11th.
