New York mayoral candidate criticizes World Cup ticket price: price fraud! Can working class appreciate it?

September 11th New York mayoral candidate Zoran Mandani recently made a statement criticizing the World Cup ticket price.

After winning the Democratic nomination with a policy plan to reduce the cost of urban living, Mandani recently called on FIFA to reduce the cost of New York citizens to watch the World Cup. Wednesday is the first day that fans can apply for ticket purchases through pre-sale lottery draws. Mandani issued a petition asking FIFA to cancel a dynamic pricing plan based on demand, accusing this practice of equating price fraud.

Mandani also asked to reserve 15% of the tickets for sale to local residents at a discount. He spoke in a British accent in the accompanying social media video, wearing formal leather shoes and said: "As a lifelong football - sorry, I mean soccer - fans, I am extremely excited, but can ordinary working-class New Yorkers really afford to watch the game?"

This event will be held in 16 cities in North America, with 8 of which (including the final) scheduled to be held at the Metropolitan Life Stadium, which is only a short train ride from New York City. Mandani added: "Too many neighbors can't afford the tickets, and FIFA uses pricing to deprive working class of the right to watch their beloved games."

ESPN asked FIFA for comment on the matter, but a FIFA spokesperson did not respond.

Recently, FIFA adopted a "floating pricing" ticket sales model similar to the aviation hotel industry, which caused controversy among some fans. Official data shows that group match tickets start at $60 and the finals reach up to $6,730, but the pricing model may fluctuate based on demand. Mandani also asked regulators to implement a resale ticket cap, which he said FIFA has agreed to implement in Mexico but has not implemented in the United States and Canada.

FIFA spokesperson said: "The pricing model basically follows the market practices of mainstream entertainment and sports events in co-organized countries. We are committed to ensuring the fair ticket purchase rights of existing and potential fans. The ticket price starting from $60 in the group stage is extremely competitive in global sports events in the United States. It should be emphasized that as a non-profit organization, FIFA reinvested the World Cup revenue for football development at all levels of 211 member associations around the world (men's football, women's football, youth training). The 2023-2026 cycle is expected to exceed 90% of the budget funds will feed back to the football industry. Without FIFA's funding, more than half of the member associations will not be able to operate."

Mandani previously won the primary election with his promises such as "freezing New York citizens' rent" and "free buses". He regards the World Cup ticket price battle as an integral part of the overall battle against the rising cost of living for working people.

Mandani said at a press conference on Wednesday: "Pope John Paul II said that football is the most important of all things that are irrelevant. This is essentially a microcosm of the cost of living crisis in New York City, and the working class is destined to be a forgotten group again."