New Jersey officials have accused FIFA of illegally auctioning off pieces of MetLife Stadium’s World Cup final turf, arguing taxpayers who funded the pitch deserve the proceeds.
New Jersey lawmakers are furious over FIFA’s plan to sell resin-encased turf sections from MetLife Stadium after the final, with prices reportedly ranging from $450 to $3,000, according talkSPORT.
Governor Mikie Sherrill’s office and state Assembly members insist New Jersey taxpayers, who spent $13.04 million upgrading the pitch, should benefit — not FIFA or the host committee.
Assemblyman Mike Inganamort called the sale illegal, noting the state holds MetLife’s land lease and never authorized the auction.
FIFA denies profiting, claiming only a nominal royalty and roughly five yards of turf are involved, with proceeds mainly benefiting the NYNJ Host City Committee ahead of Sunday’s Spain-Argentina final.
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