FIFA, the international governing body of football, has made the decision to commercialise and sell the pitch where the players will play in the World Cup final.
For an incredible USD 450 (about Rs. 42,989) per piece, FIFA is currently selling individual sections of the grass turf that will be used for the forthcoming World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA’s most recent retail strategy has fueled the already intense outcry against the company for charging outrageous ticket fees for the tournament in the United States.
Each section of the grass is 17.5 by 17.5, according to the official FIFA digital store, but oddly, it does not say if the measurements are in millimetres, inches, or centimetres.
What’s Inside The ₹42,989 Box?
Each unique piece of the July 19 final playing field will be permanently preserved inside an upscale acrylic box, according to FIFA’s website, which promotes it as a premium piece of football history. The product, which comes in a luxurious hinged shoulder box with eye-catching spot UV design, contains a sleek USB souvenir with an authenticity film to entice collectors.
However, FIFA has limited shipments to addresses in the US and Europe, so regular fans outside of Western markets will be left out. Additionally, the regulating body has made it clear that no orders would be sent out prior to the tournament’s final whistle.
Controversy Over the Turf
The decision to sell the turf does not come without controversy. The NFL’s New York Giants and Jets play their home games at MetLife Stadium, which typically has an artificial surface. laid down temporary natural grass for this , which has garnered strong criticism from players and managers alike over its low quality and inconsistent texture.
This edition’s unparalleled ticket inflation is consistent with the hefty ₹42,989 price tag for a patch of grass. Standard grand finale tickets may be purchased for up to USD 32,970 (about ₹31.4 lakh), while premium hospitality packages that include food and beverages cost between USD 32,500 (roughly ₹31 lakh) and USD 34,500 (roughly ₹32.9 lakh).