FIFA's inaction on disabled supporters' ticket access for the 2026 World Cup has been described as "unacceptable" by a charity. Despite raising concerns over three weeks ago, Level Playing Field claims to have received no response from FIFA.
Disabled fans face higher costs due to limited availability of tickets in lower price tiers, with personal assistants also being charged full price rather than receiving reduced rates. There is uncertainty surrounding the number of wheelchair-accessible tickets and available spaces for people with disabilities.
"This ongoing uncertainty over accessible ticketing is unacceptable," said Tony Taylor, chair of Level Playing Field. "Planning, personal assistants, and pricing are crucial considerations for disabled fans."
The charity notes that restricting access to lower-priced tiers and charging personal assistants adds significant extra costs for attendees with disabilities. Instead of addressing these issues, FIFA has only responded by delaying and ignoring the concerns.
FIFA's high ticket prices have already been criticized, with a small number of more affordable tickets recently released for general fans. However, disabled supporters have not benefited from similar flexibility.
Disabled fans face higher costs due to limited availability of tickets in lower price tiers, with personal assistants also being charged full price rather than receiving reduced rates. There is uncertainty surrounding the number of wheelchair-accessible tickets and available spaces for people with disabilities.
"This ongoing uncertainty over accessible ticketing is unacceptable," said Tony Taylor, chair of Level Playing Field. "Planning, personal assistants, and pricing are crucial considerations for disabled fans."
The charity notes that restricting access to lower-priced tiers and charging personal assistants adds significant extra costs for attendees with disabilities. Instead of addressing these issues, FIFA has only responded by delaying and ignoring the concerns.
FIFA's high ticket prices have already been criticized, with a small number of more affordable tickets recently released for general fans. However, disabled supporters have not benefited from similar flexibility.