FIFA has become embroiled in another clash with lawmakers in New Jersey after World Cup chiefs began selling pieces of MetLife Stadium grass for $450 each.
‘This is the final insult,’ one politician said before New Jersey hosts Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at the 80,000-seater stadium near New York City.
Earlier this week, as reported by The Athletic, FIFA began selling small sections of the MetLife Stadium field on its website. ‘Own a genuine piece of football history with an authentic 2026 FIFA World Cup Piece of the Pitch,’ the listing says.
‘An original fragment of the iconic Final playing surface, making it a unique collectible that celebrates one of the world’s greatest sporting events.’
Each piece of grass costs $450 and will not be shipped until after Sunday’s final. Other versions of the turf – made and sold by Keep Stub – are being flogged for $900, $1,200 and $3,000.
According to The Athletic, the pieces of grass – which cover five yards in total – could generate more than $11million in total revenue. That has not gone down well in New Jersey, given taxpayers footed the bill for the field.
This week, World Cup chiefs began selling pieces of MetLife Stadium grass for $450 each
FIFA, which is led by controversial president Gianni Infantino, has come under fire
Governor Mikie Sherrill is among the lawmakers left angry by the money-making venture
It reportedly cost the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority more than $13m to make sure the pitch met FIFA’s standards. MetLife uses artificial turf for NFL games but had to install grass for the World Cup.
‘As the Governor has said, New Jersey paid multiple millions for the total expense for the pitch at MetLife Stadium, so New Jersey taxpayers should share in any proceeds,’ a spokesperson for Governor Mikie Sherrill told The Athletic.
Republican lawmakers in New Jersey went even further, with one accusing FIFA of an ‘illegal’ cash grab.
‘FIFA needs to get off our turf, literally… New Jersey taxpayers funded $13 million in upgrades to MetLife Stadium… FIFA can’t just sell off the soccer pitch without permission,’ Assemblyman Mike Inganamort said.
‘What is happening is not just a bad deal for the taxpayers of New Jersey, it’s illegal. The Sherrill administration must use every tool at their disposal to stop FIFA from selling off our field, including seeking a restraining order.’
‘FIFA’s World Cup was bankrolled by New Jersey taxpayers, and they have walked all over us. This is the final insult. It is time this administration stands up to them.’
But, according to The Athletic, the majority of proceeds generated by every ‘Piece of the Pitch’ goes to the New York New Jersey host committee and will be re-invested into the area.
In a statement to The Athletic, FIFA insisted: ‘The turf sale initiative is a host city-led initiative, not a FIFA revenue driver as incorrectly reported in recent days.
‘FIFA receives a nominal royalty fee (<5%) for use of its IP, but a larger share of the revenue generated by this program goes to the NYNJ Host City Committee. In addition, only approximately five yards of turf will be utilized for this program.’
FIFA has previously clashed with New Jersey lawmakers over issues such as public transportation costs and ticket prices.
