The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey say they have subpoenaed FIFA over the organisation’s ticketing practices following media reports raising concerns about fans’ seat allocations for the upcoming World Cup.
The two attorneys general said in a statement that they are specifically requesting details about ticketing practices for the eight World Cup matches scheduled to be played in New Jersey, including the July 19 final.
According to the statement, some fans who selected and paid for Category 1 tickets — seats located closest to the field — were allegedly assigned seats further back in Category 2 areas.
Jodi Balsam, a professor of clinical law at Brooklyn Law School, said the subpoenas indicate that the attorneys general are seeking information and that FIFA has not been charged with any illegal conduct.
“This is a civil enforcement action. FIFA could potentially be liable for violations of consumer protection laws, and the remedies available to the attorneys general may include refunds for tickets already purchased or partial refunds for differences in the location and desirability of the seats.”
FIFA declined to comment.
Meanwhile, Neymar’s World Cup preparations suffered a setback after he missed Brazil’s first training session for medical tests, placing his place in the squad in doubt.
The Brazilian Football Confederation said the 34-year-old forward, who is recovering from a right calf injury, missed the closed training session in Rio and was sent to a private clinic for imaging tests.
In a statement, the confederation said no further information would be released until the national team’s medical staff completed their assessment.
New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is already without three players, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos and Gabriel Martinelli involved in the May 30 UEFA Champions League Final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Elsewhere, Sweden have begun their pre-World Cup training camp in Stockholm.
Sweden endured a disappointing qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of their group with just two points, but secured a place at the finals through the Nations League C play-offs after victories over Ukraine and Poland.
Dejan Kulusevski will miss the World Cup due to a knee injury.
Fellow striker Alexander Isak has also battled injuries this season, but coach Graham Potter expects him to be fit when the tournament begins.
Sweden open their Group F campaign against Tunisia in Guadalupe, Mexico, on June 14.