Surprised FIFA kicks back at NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrills outrage over World Cup transportation costs
FIFA is kicking the World Cup train scandal back to New Jersey.Soccer’s controversial governing body has tackled Gov.Mikie Sherrill’s shot over exorbitant World Cup transport pricing — while calling foul on her demands to use the billions it is getting from the event to cover those costs.The competition organizer spoke out to deny responsibility of NJ Transit’s plan to raise train ticket prices to $100 — an eye-watering 775% increase — for those traveling from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium for the eight FIFA World Cup games being held there.“We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach today on fan transportation,” a FIFA spokesperson said of Sherill’s attack on it “providing $0 for transportation” despite “making $11 billion” from the international spectacular.FIFA noted that the initial agreements with host cities, signed in 2018, had required free transportation to matches for fans.But after “recognizing the financial strain” on host cities, the governing body revised the agreement in 2023 to ensure ticket holders could get to and from stadiums at a regular cost price, the spokesperson said.
“FIFA worked for years with host cities on transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation,” the spokesman insisted, while pushing how lucrative the tournament will be for host cities.“FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America along with related economic impact.Many fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight matches scheduled.
“FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at [Metlife] Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation.”The outrage from Sherrill and other local lawmakers came after the New York Times, citing sources, reported NJ Transit was rumored to be hiking fares — despite the standard fare...