Authoritarianism's chilling effect on business: The FIFA Club World Cup's plummeting ticket sales demonstrate how heavy-handed security measures and immigration enforcement deter tourism and negatively impact sporting events. The controversial "suited and booted" CBP announcement and subsequent ticket price crash highlight the risks of an authoritarian approach to international events
FIFA Club World Cup Ticket Sales Plummet Amidst Increased Border Security Concerns. Lackluster sales for the precursor games to next year's North American World Cup worsened after U.S. Customs and Border Protection's announcement of heightened security measures, sparking fears among international fans and potentially impacting attendance at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The controversial social media post, since deleted, and additional statements from ICE regarding proof of legal status for non-U.S. citizens, have contributed to a dramatic drop in ticket prices, with thousands remaining unsold. This raises questions about the impact of heavy-handed security on international sporting events and tourism
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provided security at the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami, advising non-US citizens to carry documentation proving their legal immigration status. This heightened security presence, publicized by CBP, coincided with significantly lower-than-expected ticket sales, raising concerns about the impact on attendance and the event's overall success
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assures lawful travelers that increased security measures for the FIFA Club World Cup in Miami pose no threat. CBP spokesperson Alan Regalado stated that the agency is collaborating with FIFA to ensure smooth entry for players and fans, while maintaining border security. He emphasized that CBP welcomes international visitors and is committed to facilitating lawful travel
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) partners with FIFA to ensure smooth travel for players and fans attending the FIFA Club World Cup. CBP agents facilitate lawful entry at ports of entry, safeguarding borders while welcoming international visitors. From arrival to championship game, CBP is committed to secure and efficient border processing for this global sporting event
Lionel Messi's Miami CF vs. Al Ahly FC: Cheap Hard Rock Stadium Tickets! Prices for the FIFA Club World Cup match in Miami have plummeted, with tickets now available for as low as $4. Thousands of unsold seats mean incredible deals on this historic soccer game. Secure your spot to see Messi now!
FIFA Club World Cup Ticket Prices Plummet: Tens of thousands of tickets remain unsold, with prices crashing from $349+ to as low as $4 ahead of the Miami CF vs Al Ahly match at Hard Rock Stadium
College students can snag five tickets for just $20, an incredible deal that works out to only $4 per ticket! Even general admission tickets plummeted to $69.15, down from initial prices of $349+
FIFA's displeasure prompted the deletion of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) social media post boasting about agents' security presence at the Club World Cup. The "suited and booted" announcement, according to sources familiar with the matter, was removed following concerns raised by high-ranking FIFA officials
The controversial social media post backfired, causing significant financial losses and widespread negative repercussions nationwide
Seattle Reign fans urge boycott of FIFA Club World Cup matches at Lumen Field, citing concerns over heightened security measures and immigration enforcement
Seattle FIFA Club World Cup: Concerns over ICE Presence Lead to Attendance Warnings. Organizers express serious reservations about attendee safety due to the potential for ICE harassment, racial profiling, unlawful detention, and deportation. The presence of immigration enforcement officers raises significant concerns impacting event attendance
Neighbor safety prioritized over FIFA Club World Cup: Concerns over aggressive border security measures impacting ticket sales and fan attendance
A fake FIFA Club World Cup social media account garnered thousands of likes before its suspension. The account, mimicking the official X (formerly Twitter) profile, was shut down following its popularity
Seattle Reign FC denies authorship of the statement, according to a team spokesperson
In the Los Angeles area, where President Donald Trump triggered a conflagration earlier this month by deploying federal troops to an anti-ICE protest, fans also are uncertain about attending FIFA matches at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
One man, a 25-year-old bricklayer originally from the northern Mexico state of Monterrey, told Reuters he and his friends originally planned to see CF Monterrey face off against Inter Milan on Tuesday. Now he’s not so sure.
“I’m scared because things have got ugly. But let’s hope that things calm down a bit and let us enjoy the games,” he said. “If things get uglier, we’ll talk about it, after all we have time to decide.”
Another fan, identified only as Rafael, told Yahoo Sports he and his wife originally planned to see PSG vs. Atlético Madrid at the Rose Bowl. But after Trump’s violent crackdown, they sold their tickets, even though he’s a green card holder and in the country legally.
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“I never thought I’d have to worry about being racially discriminated against at a soccer game,” he told the outlet.
“I really, really didn’t want to let [the tickets] go,” Rafael said. But he did, “out of fear of apprehension or persecution.”
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