Texas AG launches probe into FIFA's ticket practices

Field Level Media
10 Jun 2026, 22:49 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Jacob Lujan/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into FIFA over alleged deceptive ticketing practices for World Cup matches in his state.

Paxton announced his probe into international soccer's governing body Tuesday, claiming that FIFA misled fans about the location and quality of seats sold for upcoming matches.

'I will work to ensure that FIFA is engaging in ethical and honest business practices so that Texas fans are treated fairly,' he said in a statement. 'Sports have a unique power to bring people together, and FIFA must understand that Texans take their competition -- and their consumer rights -- seriously.'

Seven matches are taking place at Houston's NRG Stadium and nine are being played at Arlington's AT&T Stadium, including a semifinal on July 14.

In one example provided by Paxton's office to USA Today, a fan purchased 'Category 1' seats expecting premium views of the field. However, Paxton's office said FIFA allegedly later adjusted the seat maps to move the fan's seats to 'Category 2,' which have worse views of the action.

FIFA did not respond to a request for comment from USA Today.

State attorneys general in California, New York and New Jersey have launched similar investigations.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Birmingham News.

More Information

Business

Section

Iran war, latest CPI, undermine Wall Street, Nasdaq loses nearly 2%

NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks tumbled on Wednesday as the latest CPI reading showed inflation in the United States has surged to...

OpenAI joins Anthropic in move toward blockbuster IPO

SAN FRANCISCO, California: OpenAI has confidentially filed for a U.S. initial public offering, becoming the latest artificial intelligence...

Meta told to give competing AI chatbots WhatsApp access

BRUSSELS, Belgium: European Union regulators have ordered Meta Platforms to restore access to WhatsApp for competing artificial intelligence...

Amazon backs US fiber optics expansion with Corning pact

SEATTLE, Washington: Amazon has signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement with Corning aimed at expanding U.S. production of optical...

Dow Jones gains 86 points despite techs slide

NEW YORK, New York - Global stock markets closed with sharp divergences Tuesday, as U.S. indexes delivered a mixed performance while...

Airlines face soaring fuel bills as global profit forecast falls

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: Rising fuel prices linked to conflict in the Middle East are putting pressure on airlines worldwide, forcing...

United Kingdom

Section