FIFA Cuts Ticket Prices as Club World Cup Opener Faces Empty Seats

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — FIFA has slashed ticket prices for the opening match of the Club World Cup, amid fears of empty seats. The match on June 14 features Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al-Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium, which can hold 65,326 spectators.

Concerns over low ticket sales have grown, with sources revealing that fewer than 20,000 tickets have been sold. FIFA disputes this and claims the number is “much higher,” but hasn’t provided exact figures. According to Ticketmaster, some general seats are now available for as little as $55, a drop from earlier prices that peaked at $349.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström expressed confidence in the tournament’s potential, emphasizing the unique opportunities it offers to fans and clubs alike. He said, “Having the opportunity to work on this since it was an idea, to see it become a reality is something that feels very special.”

The organization had anticipated a strong local turnout in Miami, partly due to the presence of superstar Lionel Messi. However, the dynamic pricing model, where prices fluctuate based on demand, indicates that sales are struggling.

Additional games in the tournament reflect the varied interest levels among teams. Tickets for less-prominent matches are being offered at deep discounts, with some as low as $24. Conversely, matches involving renowned clubs like Real Madrid see a surge in ticket demand, with prices reaching upwards of $310.

FIFA aims to boost overall attendance with a marketing push in the lead-up to the tournament. The event will feature clubs from around the globe and offers a prize fund of $1 billion, with winners set to receive $125 million.

In light of the current sales trend, some have suggested it might have been strategic to host Inter Miami games in a manner that would create more novelty. However, the federation remains optimistic that home supporters will rally behind the team.