Football’s global governing body, FIFA, has decided to commercialise the very ground the players will walk on for the World Cup final. FIFA is now selling individual pieces of the grass turf that will be used for the upcoming World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for a staggering USD 450 (approx. Rs. 42,989) per piece.Already facing severe backlash for charging exorbitant ticket prices for the tournament in the United States, FIFA’s latest merchandise strategy has added fuel to the fire. The official FIFA digital store states that each segment of the turf measures 17.5 by 17.5 by 17.5, though the listing bizarrely fails to specify whether the dimensions are in inches, centimetres, or millimetres.Promoted as a premium piece of football history, FIFA’s website states that each original fragment of the July 19 final playing surface will come permanently preserved inside a high-end acrylic case. To entice collectors, the package includes a sleek USB keepsake containing an authenticity film, all presented inside a luxury hinged shoulder box with striking spot UV detailing.However, ordinary fans outside Western markets will miss out, as FIFA has restricted shipping exclusively to addresses within the United States and Europe. The governing body has also clarified that no orders will be dispatched until after the final whistle of the tournament.The decision to sell the turf comes wrapped in controversy. The MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets, usually features an artificial surface. FIFA laid down temporary natural grass for this tournament, which has drawn sharp criticism from players and managers alike over its poor quality and uneven texture.The steep ₹42,989 price tag for a patch of grass aligns with the unprecedented ticket inflation seen in this edition. Standard tickets for the grand finale are being retailed for up to USD 32,970 (approx. ₹31.4 lakh), while premium hospitality packages including food and drinks are priced between USD 32,500 (approx. ₹31 lakh) and USD 34,500 (approx. ₹32.9 lakh).
