FIFA is facing fresh scrutiny in the United States over high World Cup ticket prices and controversial sales practices that many fans say left them paying more for less desirable seats.

Authorities in New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into whether FIFA’s ticketing system violated consumer protection laws. The move comes as both states prepare to host matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The attorneys general of the two states said they have issued subpoenas to FIFA, seeking details on its ticket sales methods. These include the use of “variable pricing,” which caused ticket costs to rise sharply, and changes to stadium seating plans that allegedly moved fans further away from the field than expected.

The investigation, being carried out with support from New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, is mainly focused on ticket sales for matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

“Fans have waited years for the World Cup to come here and they deserve fair and affordable access to tickets,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “People should not be forced to pay extremely high prices or receive seats different from what they expected.”

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport also criticised FIFA, saying the ticket-buying process had become confusing and unfair, with artificial scarcity and extremely high prices.

FIFA has not commented on the investigation.

The World Cup is set to begin on June 11 with matches in Mexico, while the first game at the nearly 82,000-seat MetLife Stadium — temporarily renamed for the event — will take place on June 13 between Brazil and Morocco.

Ticket prices have drawn strong reactions, with some seats for the July 19 final reportedly selling for as much as $33,000.

In response to public concerns, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently announced a lottery system offering 1,000 tickets to city residents at $50 each. These tickets will be distributed across matches held at MetLife Stadium, excluding the final.

Earlier, FIFA had also released a limited number of $60 tickets for each match through participating national football associations.