New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has publicly criticised FIFA over the rising cost of transport for fans attending World Cup matches in the United States this summer, arguing that football’s global governing body should help subsidise travel expenses rather than leaving them to commuters and local transport systems.
The issue centres on New Jersey Transit’s plans to introduce “special event” pricing for services running between New York’s Penn Station and the stadium in New Jersey, which will be called the MetLife Stadium during the tournament. The journey, which normally costs around $12.90 (£9.50) for a return ticket and takes roughly 30 minutes, is expected to rise dramatically in price for World Cup matchdays.
Reports suggest fans could be charged more than $100 (£73.80) for the same trip, representing a seven-fold increase. Crucially, there will be no discounted fares for children or senior citizens, meaning all passengers will be required to pay the full rate regardless of age or status.
MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including an England group-stage fixture and the tournament final on 19 July. Because of FIFA’s commercial naming rules, the venue will temporarily be referred to as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the competition.
The proposed fare increases come amid similar controversy in other host cities. In Foxborough, near Boston, transport prices for fans travelling to matches at Gillette Stadium have also been sharply raised, with train fares set at around $80 (£59) and coach tickets reaching $95 (£70).
Governor Sherrill strongly opposed the plans, stating that taxpayers and commuters in New Jersey should not be responsible for covering the additional costs of transporting football fans during the tournament. She argued that FIFA is generating billions from the event while local authorities are left to manage the financial burden of infrastructure and logistics.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Sherrill said that FIFA is contributing nothing toward transportation costs despite an estimated $48 million bill facing New Jersey Transit to move fans safely to and from matches. She contrasted this with FIFA’s projected earnings of around $11 billion from the World Cup.
She added that she would not allow the cost to be passed on to local commuters and insisted that FIFA should take responsibility for funding transport. If the organisation refuses, she said New Jersey would not “be taken advantage of” financially.
Her comments highlight growing tension between host regions and FIFA over the financial structure of the tournament, particularly in relation to transport and public services.
However, FIFA responded by expressing surprise at the governor’s remarks. A spokesperson said that ticket holders would still be able to travel at cost and denied that there was any unfair pricing structure compared to other major events held at the same venue.
FIFA also clarified that original agreements signed with host cities in 2018 required free transportation for fans. However, this was later revised in 2023 after concerns were raised about the financial burden on local authorities. Under the updated arrangement, match ticket holders must be able to access transport at cost rather than free of charge.
The governing body also stated that it has worked closely with host cities to support transportation planning and has advocated for federal funding to assist with infrastructure demands linked to the tournament.
FIFA emphasised that the World Cup will bring millions of visitors to North America and generate significant economic activity. It also pointed out that large-scale transport subsidies are not typically required for other major sporting or entertainment events held at the same stadium.
The transport pricing controversy is expected to directly affect supporters from England and Scotland, both of whom will be playing group-stage matches in Foxborough and New Jersey.
England national football team will face Ghana in Foxborough on 23 June before travelling to MetLife Stadium to play Panama on 27 June. Meanwhile, Scotland national football team are scheduled to play Haiti and Morocco in Foxborough across their group fixtures.
Alongside transport costs, fans are also facing high parking charges at stadiums. Parking at MetLife Stadium is expected to cost around $225 (£166), while in Foxborough it may reach $175 (£129), adding further financial pressure for travelling supporters.
The debate has raised wider questions about the affordability of major global tournaments and whether costs are being passed disproportionately onto fans. Critics argue that while FIFA benefits from record-breaking revenues, supporters are increasingly being burdened with expensive travel, accommodation, and matchday expenses.
As preparations continue, transport pricing is becoming a major talking point in the build-up to the World Cup, with officials, governing bodies, and supporters now locked in disagreement over who should ultimately pay for the movement of fans to and from matches.
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