Sports
European fans file complaint over World Cup ticket prices
Dec 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; FIFA President Gianni Infantino and United States of America President Donald Trump speak to media as they arrive on the red carpet ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mandatory Credit: Brian Snyder-Reuters via Imagn Images European soccer fans have lodged a formal complaint over the high cost of tickets for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and the consumer rights organization Euroconsumers filed an 18-page complaint on Tuesday with the European Commission in Brussels.
“FIFA holds a monopoly over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup and has used that power to impose conditions on fans that would never be acceptable in a competitive market,” FSE and Euroconsumers said in a joint statement.
They argue that ticket prices are significantly higher than at any previous World Cup. Tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 start at $4,185 — seven times the cost of the cheapest ticket at the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.
The complaint accuses FIFA of engaging in “bait advertising,” “uncontrolled” dynamic pricing, “pressure-selling tactics” and a lack of transparency about seat locations and refund policies.
“Dynamic pricing turns fans’ loyalty into a bidding war, inflates costs without added value and locks out many supporters,” said Els Bruggeman, head of policy and enforcement at Euroconsumers, per ESPN.
The allegation of bait advertising, which is illegal under European Union consumer laws, is a reference to FIFA’s claim in October that group-stage ticket prices started at $60. However, after fans’ groups across Europe complained about the lack of availability at that price, FIFA had to release more tickets at that price in December.
“Football is a universal passion but FIFA is treating it like a private luxury by exploiting its absolute monopoly over World Cup ticketing,” said Marco Scialdone, head of litigation at Euroconsumers, per The Athletic.
“We are calling on the European Commission to intervene immediately with interim measures to halt these exploitative practices before the 2026 tournament begins.”
The World Cup opens on June 11, with matches taking place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Falcons add veteran Trevor Siemian to QB room
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian (14) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images The Atlanta Falcons are signing veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian, his agent confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.
Siemian, 34, adds depth behind newcomer Tua Tagovailoa and 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.
Terms weren’t disclosed for Siemian, who last appeared in an NFL regular-season game in 2023 with the New York Jets. He spent most of the 2024 and 2025 campaigns on the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad.
Siemian is 15-18 as a starter, completing 58.5% of his passes for 7,751 yards, 44 touchdowns and 32 interceptions in 40 games with the Denver Broncos (2015-17), Jets (2019, 2023), New Orleans Saints (2021) and Chicago Bears (2022). He has rushed for 251 yards and two scores.
The Broncos drafted Siemian in the seventh round in 2015.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. lands historic shoe deal
Feb 25, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives to the basket as Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) defends during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images Arkansas All-American Darius Acuff Jr. has a deal with Reebok to become the first NCAA men’s athlete to land a signature shoe from a major U.S. brand while still in college.
Reebok head of basketball Jide Osifeso confirmed the historic agreement with ESPN on Tuesday.
A 19-year-old freshman for the Razorbacks, Acuff was named the 2025-26 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year after becoming the first player to lead the league in points and assists per game since LSU legend Pete Maravich in 1969-70.
After winning the SEC tournament, Arkansas has reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 4 seed. The Razorbacks (28-8) face West Region No. 1 seed Arizona (34-2) on Thursday night in San Jose, Calif.
The 6-foot-3 Acuff is averaging 23.3 points, 6.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 35 games (all starts) this season while shooting 44.6% from 3-point range.
The Detroit native is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Acuff becomes the first men’s basketball player to receive a signature shoe with Reebok since John Wall, according to ESPN.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Montreal signs Team Italy captain Nadia Mattivi
Feb 9, 2026; Milan, Italy; Nadia Mattivi of Italy celebrates after the match against Japan in women’s ice hockey group B play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images The Montreal Victoire signed Italian national team captain Nadia Mattivi to her first PWHL contract.
The 25-year-old defender played at Boston University before launching her pro career in Sweden, where she was the league’s Defender of the Year in 2024-25.
Mattivi tallied two assists in five games for the host country at last month’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, advancing to the quarterfinals.
“Nadia is coming off an excellent season in Sweden and also performed very well at Milano-Cortina, and we are happy to have her join our team,” said Victoire general manager Daniele Sauvageau, who was also the GM of the Italian team.
Also on Monday, the Victoire placed captain Marie-Philip Poulin on long-term injured reserve. The 34-year-old Canadian center has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since March 15 and is eligible to return to the lineup on April 5.
–Field Level Media
Falcons add veteran Trevor Siemian to QB room
Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. lands historic shoe deal
