They denounce "a first in the history of the World Cup," and their anger is mounting. Members of the Football Supporters Europe network, the main football fan association operating at the European level, have written to Gianni Infantino, the president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

The purpose of the letter is to denounce an "incomprehensible decision" which forces the companions of disabled people who wish to attend the matches of the 2026 World Cup (next June-July in America) to also pay for their ticket, without a price reduction.

Our colleagues at L'Équipe reported on Tuesday, December 16th, the following statement from FSE: "For many disabled fans, attending a match without a companion is not a choice, but an impossibility. [...] Charging companions effectively doubles the cost of participation and risks completely excluding a large number of disabled fans from the World Cup. It is, in reality, an unfair tax imposed by FIFA, leaving them with only two options: pay double or stay home."

Addressing Gianni Infantino directly, the association continued: "True inclusion is not symbolic or purely verbal: it requires measures that recognize structural disadvantages and remove barriers rather than reinforce them."

FSE is therefore asking FIFA to make access free for caregivers of people with disabilities, and also to reduce the price of wheelchair-accessible seats. "During major international tournaments, wheelchair-accessible and accessible seats are generally offered in the cheapest category or at a reduced price (from €10 in 2022, L'Équipe points out), in order to take into account the obstacles and additional costs faced by fans with disabilities."

Since the draw, which took place on Friday, December 5, and the launch of ticket sales, many voices have been raised to denounce the prices of tickets for a World Cup (June 11-July 19) which could be one of the most expensive in history.