Rob Bonta asks FIFA about their ticketing policies
California Attorney General Raises Concerns Over FIFA Ticket Practices for 2026 World Cup
California Attorney General Rob Bonta sent a formal letter to FIFA on Wednesday, expressing concerns regarding reports of potentially misleading ticket practices related to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. In his correspondence, Bonta requested information to assess possible violations of state consumer protection laws.
The letter follows allegations that FIFA may have initially sold tickets based on specific seating categories shown on stadium maps, only to later modify those categories before finalizing seat assignments.
To determine whether any California laws have been breached, Bonta has sought details including how seating categories were represented, whether actual seat assignments differed from those descriptions, what disclosures were provided to buyers, and how any issues were resolved through refunds or alternative remedies.
A FIFA representative did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
California is known for its robust consumer protection laws, which include strict prohibitions against marketing practices that may mislead consumers. According to Bonta’s office, businesses or organizations cannot defend misleading practices by citing fine print or terms that a reasonable consumer would not have seen or understood.
"Californians deserve transparency and fairness when purchasing tickets for any event held in our state," Bonta stated. He highlighted his personal connection to soccer, noting his history as a player and the involvement of his daughter and daughter-in-law in professional soccer. Bonta emphasized that buyers should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase accurately reflect the representations made during the sales process.
"We look forward to receiving the requested information from FIFA as part of our ongoing review," he added.
The World Cup is set to commence on June 11, with matches scheduled to take place across the United States, including eight games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Californians who believe they have encountered misleading practices can file a complaint through the California Attorney General’s office.
