Wendy Chamberlain MP urges government to implement International Fans Charter

Speaking in Parliament, Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, raised the treatment of World Cup fans by FIFA and called on the government to implement the Liberal Democrat International Fans Charter to safeguard football fans.

It comes as Scotland prepare for their first World Cup match since 1998 this weekend, however Scottish fans have had difficulties getting their ESTAs approved as well as facing high costs while travelling in the US.

As a result, Liberal Democrats have called for the FA to push for the establishment of an International Fans Charter to protect against FIFA’s unfair and exploitative ticketing practices, following exclusive analysis revealing that World Cup final ticket prices have skyrocketed by over 5,400% since 2002.

To increase transparency about the pricing process, FIFA officials should be called upon to give evidence at the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee to ensure fans are no longer treated as “cash cows”.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Chamberlain said:

“I want to highlight that FIFA have done their level best to overshadow what should be a brilliant celebration and experience for fans.

“Fans are being squeezed until the pips squeak. Scotland fans are paying $80 just for the privilege of catching a train to the match this weekend. And some can't even get there with late updates to ESTAs.

“In one report, someone found out an hour before their flight that they were no longer able to travel to these matches, despite having spent thousands of pounds.

“Liberal Democrats are calling for an International Fans Charter to protect against FIFA ever trying this racket again.”