Texas AG – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on June 9 that his office is investigating FIFA over alleged deceptive ticketing practices for World Cup games in Texas, including claims that seat locations and quality were misrepresented and later reassigned to lo
When Texas fans start filing into stadiums for World Cup games, the question hanging over their tickets is simple: did they get what they were sold?
On Tuesday. June 9. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office has opened an investigation into FIFA over alleged deceptive ticketing practices tied to World Cup matches scheduled in the state. The concern. as outlined by Paxton’s office. centers on whether FIFA misled fans about the location and quality of seats being sold for the upcoming World Cup.
Paxton framed the investigation as a consumer-protection effort. “I will work to ensure that FIFA is engaging in ethical and honest business practices so that Texas fans are treated fairly. ” Paxton said in a statement. He added. “Sports have a unique power to bring people together. and FIFA must understand that Texans take their competition — and their consumer rights — seriously.”.
The timing is tight. Texas is set to host several World Cup games in Dallas and Houston starting Sunday, June 14.
The complaint Paxton’s office is investigating focuses on how seat categories were portrayed during the purchase process. Reports described fans being misled about where their seats would be. including a case detailed through Paxton’s office in which a buyer purchased “Category 1” seats expecting premium views of the field. After the purchase. Paxton’s office alleges FIFA adjusted seat maps to relocate those seats to what had been designated as “Category 2. ” a category described as offering less optimal views. Paxton’s office said it received similar complaints.
As the investigation gets underway. Paxton’s office is examining whether FIFA violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and whether FIFA’s representations about ticket seat locations and categories conflicted with the Texas Business and Commerce Code. The office is also looking at whether FIFA misrepresented seat classifications to consumers at the time of purchase.
FIFA has not commented publicly on the investigation. Paxton’s office announcement followed attempts to seek comment from FIFA; those requests did not receive a response.
Texas is also joining a broader push by state attorneys general. California, New York and New Jersey have launched similar investigations.
With kickoff days away, the investigation puts consumer expectations—and the integrity of ticketing promises—at the center of a major sports event heading into Texas.
Texas AG Ken Paxton FIFA investigation World Cup 2026 deceptive trade practices ticketing allegations seat categories Dallas Houston consumer rights Texas Business and Commerce Code