Ken Paxton Investigating FIFA Over Transparency Leading into the World Cup

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton began an investigation into the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) over allegations regarding transparency and hidden costs associated with tickets.

What is Paxton investigating?

Paxton is investigating consumers' claims that FIFA had sold tickets to sections that fans did not receive. Paxton is investigating whether these actions violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

What are people saying?

• Paxton: “I will work to ensure that FIFA is engaging in ethical and honest business practices so that Texas fans are treated fairly.”

Reports from fans indicate that seat purchases were misleading and many were moved to seats in a section worse than before, with no refund.

The Office of the Attorney General received many complaints regarding similar experiences, just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup had scheduled matches in June and July in Arlington and Houston.

Paxton is now investigating whether FIFA violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which protects consumers from scams, fraud, and other unlawful business practices.

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

FIFA is responsible for organizing major soccer events around the world, like the World Cup. Fans from around the world are traveling to Texas for the soccer matchups, spending thousands of dollars on premium seats.

As the World Cup approaches, Paxton is investigating allegations over game seating and FIFA may see consequences.