New Jersey lawmakers challenge FIFA over World Cup pitch auction plan

New Jersey officials are objecting to FIFA's plan to auction off sections of the MetLife Stadium pitch once the World Cup final is played, arguing that the state paid for the playing surface and should share in any proceeds.

Reports said FIFA hoped to raise around $11 million by selling pieces of the field encased in resin, with prices reported between $450 and $3,000 per section. The auction would follow the final, which is set to be contested by Spain and Argentina at the East Rutherford venue.

The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which operates the stadium complex, spent $13.04 million installing a grass surface that met FIFA's specifications, replacing the venue's usual artificial turf. Governor Mikie Sherrill's office said that because taxpayers covered the cost of the pitch, they should receive a share of any money raised.

Why the state is pushing back

• New Jersey says the field was paid for with public money and sits on state-owned land leased by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
• Assemblyman Mike Inganamort called the plan illegal and urged the Sherrill administration to consider legal action, including a restraining order, to block any sale.
• Opposition has come from lawmakers in both parties, with Assembly Republicans condemning the proposal as a bad deal for taxpayers.
• FIFA disputes that the sale is a revenue driver for the governing body, describing it as a host-city-led initiative and questioning the reported figures.

FIFA said in response that any turf sale would benefit the local organising committee and that it receives only a nominal royalty fee, pushing back on characterisations of the plan as a FIFA money-making scheme. The governing body has also challenged the accuracy of the figures circulating in recent days.

The dispute is the latest friction between New Jersey and World Cup organisers. Ahead of the tournament, the return rail fare from Penn Station rose from $12.50 to $98, and to nearly $150 at one stage, before fan complaints led to a reduction.

MetLife Stadium is expected to host a record crowd for a World Cup final, with more than 80,000 fans anticipated, and the match is being played amid concerns about wildfire smoke in the region. Whether New Jersey follows through on the threat of legal action over the pitch sale remains the next point of contention between the state and FIFA.