March 20 – In a bizarre proposal, the Canadian host city of Toronto is considering spending $10.7million on hospitality tickets for the 2026 World Cup with the aim of reselling them at higher prices.
CBC reports that the proposal will be put to a vote next week for final approval by the city council, but some councillors have criticised the idea as “scalping”.
“We’re now acting like a Stub Hub,” said Jon Burnside. “There are certain things governments shouldn’t be involved in and scalping tickets — which is really what this is — is one of those questionable activities.”
Expressing his dismay, Burnside also pointed out that the scheme suggests Toronto is struggling to cover World Cup expenses. “It’s clear that the city signed such a bad deal (with FIFA) that it’s been left to have to recoup costs by becoming a scalper,” he added.
As a host city, Toronto has the chance to acquire tickets before they are put on general sale. One of three Canadian cities set to welcome the 2026 finals, Toronto will stage five first-round games and one knockout match during the tournament.
However, costs have been ballooning, rising from an original estimate of $300m to $380m, with about $200m coming from federal and provincial governments. The city has claimed that the rising costs are because of inflation, security and safety measures.
Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 26 Secretariat, argued that it makes sense for the city to capitalise on its opportunity to buy and resell hospitality suites.
She said: “There’s no point leaving money sitting on the table. We, as a host city, have the option to be selling hospitality packages.”
However, Bollenbach declined to disclose the asking price for the packages the city would sell. She said: “They could be individuals, but typically the price point that they’re at, this is typically corporations…buying as hospitality for their employees, for their clients, to be part of the World Cup experience here in Toronto.”
Contact the writer of this article at moc.l1742518134labto1742518134ofdlr1742518134owedi1742518134sni@i1742518134tnuk.1742518134ardni1742518134mas1742518134.