FIFA HAS AGAIN been criticised for its “ridiculous” pricing and “opaque policies” on ticketing for this summer’s World Cup.

Ireland’s World Cup dreams may have come to an end for the men’s team after they lost to Czechia 4-3 on penalties in Prague last week, but the women’s team has upcoming matches to qualify for the event.

They’re facing Poland in an away game on the 14 April, and again in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 18 April. Meanwhile, the men’s team has a friendly against Grenada 16 May in Spain. 

Fans around the world joined queues to access tickets for the World Cup when the final sales window opened on Wednesday.

FIFA has faced criticism over the pricing of tickets since launching initial sales last autumn, and over the decision to adopt dynamic pricing, where costs rise or fall depending on demand.

The Athletic reported tickets for roughly 40 of the 104 matches were more expensive than they had been in previous sales windows, and found a Category 1 ticket for the final was now costing almost 11,000 US dollars (€9,557) up from less than 7,000 US dollars in the first window.

Even that initial price was way above the figure quoted in the co-hosts’ bid book submitted to FIFA, which pledged that a Category 1 ticket for the final would cost 1,550 US dollars (€1,015).

A spokesperson for the Football Supporters’ Association told the Press Association on Thursday: “This is the most expensive World Cup in history for travelling supporters, from match tickets to travel and accommodation. It isn’t just an issue for English fans but for those across the planet.

“FIFA’s ridiculous ticket pricing and opaque policies have led many fans to conclude they simply can’t afford to attend football’s greatest global event.””

Last week Football Supporters Europe (FSE) lodged a complaint over FIFA’s World Cup ticket pricing strategy with the European Commission.

FIFA has been contacted for comment.

With additional reporting from PA.