New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has pointed the finger at Fifa for the increased transportation costs fans will have to bear during this summer's World Cup. The governor insists that Fifa, as the world football governing body, should subsidize these costs.
According to a report by The Athletic earlier this week, New Jersey Transit plans to introduce special event pricing for the 30-minute journey from Penn Station in New York to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This means that a train ticket to World Cup games at the stadium could cost more than $100 (£73.80), marking a seven-fold increase from the usual return fare of $12.90 (£9.50). Unfortunately, no concession prices are planned; children and seniors will also be required to pay full fare.
MetLife Stadium is set to host eight matches during the World Cup and will be renamed as New York/New Jersey Stadium as part of Fifa's policy on corporate sponsored names. Among these matches are an England group game and the final match scheduled for 19 July. This follows an earlier trend where train fares for matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough were significantly raised up to $80 (£59), with coach tickets costing even higher at $95 (£70).
Taxpayers won't cover transportation costs
Governor Sherrill has assured taxpayers and commuters that they won't bear any burden related with transporting World Cup supporters to stadiums while Fifa reaps high profits from ticket sales.
New Jersey Governor, Sherrill, said:
"We inherited an agreement where Fifa is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup. And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48m bill to safely get fans to and from games, Fifa is making $11bn.
"I'm not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come. Fifa should pay for the rides. But if they don't - I'm not going to let New Jersey get taken for one."
Fifa responded with surprise at Sherrill's comments, stating that fans were expected "to travel 'at cost'" without any price hikes associated with other major events held at such venues.
A spokesperson further explained how back in 2023, recognizing financial strain on host cities, Fifa adjusted the Host Agreement requirements to ensure all match ticket holders and accredited individuals could access transport at cost on match days.
Impact on England and Scotland fans
The increased prices in New Jersey and Foxborough will particularly affect fans of England and Scotland. The Three Lions are scheduled to play against Ghana in Foxborough on 23 June, before moving to MetLife Stadium to face Panama on 27 June.
Steve Clarke's Scotland team has two games lined up in Foxborough, against Haiti on 13 June and Morocco on 19 June. In addition to the high train fares, parking costs at these stadiums are also steep. A parking space at MetLife is priced at $225 (£166), while one can expect to pay $175 (£129) for a car space in Foxborough.
As we approach the World Cup this summer, it remains crucial for Fifa and local authorities to find a balance that ensures an enjoyable experience for fans without imposing undue financial burdens.
