dailynewsnblog
Examples of FIFA’s rapaciousness abound. Hundreds of millions of dollars in upfront costs to the federal and local governments that, in many cases, are only hosting a handful of matches. Tickets to some high-profile games, even in the early stages of the tournament, listed for several thousand dollars each on FIFA’s primary market. Parking spots on match days for more than $150. Tickets to FIFA-approved “FanFest” events, essentially outdoor viewing parties, that were again being sold for more than $100. Train and bus fares on match days that were exponentially higher than the usual commuter rates. (On that one it just seems like the transit services were following FIFA’s lead.) Then, last week, the kicker: plans to allow fans to bring refillable water bottles to games, many of which will be played in blistering heat, were reversed. Water must instead be purchased on site.
