New Jersey officials are expressing outrage over FIFA's decision to sell pieces of MetLife Stadium's grass to fans, calling the move an "illegal cash grab" and "the final insult." The controversy arises as the state prepares to host the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at the 80,000-seat venue.
FIFA began selling small sections of the stadium's playing surface on its website earlier this week, marketing them as "authentic 2026 FIFA World Cup Piece of the Pitch" collectibles. These fragments of the final match turf are priced at $450 each and are slated to ship after Sunday's final. Other versions of the turf, sold by a company called Keep Stub, are listed for $900, $1,200, and $3,000. According to reports, the sale of approximately five yards of turf could generate over $11 million in revenue.
This initiative has angered New Jersey lawmakers, particularly given that the state's taxpayers largely funded the stadium's field. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority reportedly spent over $13 million to install a natural grass surface suitable for FIFA standards, as MetLife Stadium typically uses artificial turf for NFL games.
"As the Governor has said, New Jersey paid multiple millions for the total expense for the pitch at MetLife Stadium, so New Jersey taxpayers should share in any proceeds," a spokesperson for Governor Mikie Sherrill told The Athletic. Sherrill is among the officials who have voiced anger over the sales.
Republican lawmakers have been more forceful in their criticism. Assemblyman Mike Inganamort accused FIFA of "illegal" activity, stating, "FIFA needs to get off our turf, literally... New Jersey taxpayers funded $13 million in upgrades to MetLife Stadium... FIFA can't just sell off the soccer pitch without permission."
Inganamort added that the situation is "not just a bad deal for the taxpayers of New Jersey, it's illegal." He urged the Sherrill administration to take all necessary actions, including seeking a restraining order, to stop FIFA from selling the field. "FIFA's World Cup was bankrolled by New Jersey taxpayers, and they have walked all over us. This is the final insult," he said.
However, The Athletic reported that the majority of the revenue generated from the "Piece of the Pitch" program is designated for the New York New Jersey Host Committee and is intended to be reinvested in the local area.
In response, FIFA stated that the turf sale is a "host city-led initiative, not a FIFA revenue driver." The organization clarified that it receives only a small royalty fee (less than 5%) for the use of its intellectual property, with a larger portion of the proceeds going to the NYNJ Host City Committee. FIFA also reiterated that only about five yards of turf will be used for the program.
This is not the first time FIFA has faced scrutiny from New Jersey lawmakers. The organization has previously clashed with state officials over issues related to public transportation costs and ticket prices for the World Cup.
