Exceptional Deal from Mamdani with FIFA

The Mayor of New York City, Zahran Mamdani, successfully secured a rare concession from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), which involves providing 1,000 tickets for the upcoming World Cup matches at a fixed price of $50. These tickets will be distributed through a lottery exclusively for the city's residents.

The tickets include five group stage matches, as well as a match in the Round of 32 and another in the Round of 16, but do not include the final match scheduled for July 19. This initiative is the only one of its kind among the host cities so far, providing New York residents with a unique opportunity to attend the tournament.

The price of $50 will be the official minimum in the primary ticket market for the tournament. Additionally, fans who win in the lottery will receive free round-trip bus transportation to attend the matches, in a move aimed at reducing costs and boosting local fan participation.

According to informed sources, Mamdani raised the issue directly with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a meeting at Manhattan City Hall last March. The meeting also featured a video call introduction of former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who currently serves as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development.