Labour leader Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on Fifa, labelling the organisation's ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup as 'unacceptable'. The criticism comes as fans prepare to be charged hundreds of pounds for a single match.
In a statement, Starmer said: 'The prices Fifa are charging for World Cup tickets are unacceptable. Fans should not be ripped off for the privilege of watching their national teams compete.'
Starmer's comments follow widespread criticism of Fifa's ticketing policy, with many fans expressing outrage at the cost of attending the tournament. According to reports, prices for a single match can range from £150 to over £1,000.
The Labour leader has called on Fifa to take action to address the issue, stating that fans should be able to afford to watch their national teams compete without breaking the bank. 'Fifa must do better to ensure that fans are not priced out of the tournament,' Starmer said.
The criticism from Starmer comes as Fifa faces increasing pressure to justify its ticketing policy. The organisation has been accused of prioritising profits over fan experience, with many calling for greater transparency and affordability in ticket pricing.
In response to the criticism, a Fifa spokesperson said: 'We understand that ticket prices can be a concern for some fans, but we believe that our pricing structure is fair and reflects the costs associated with hosting the World Cup.'