New Jersey and FIFA clash over plan to sell MetLife Stadium grass for $11.2 million

On Sunday, New Jersey will host the FIFA World Cup final. But in the week leading up to the world's most popular sporting event, there has been time for one more collision between New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and world soccer's governing body.

The latest argument broke out this week after it emerged that FIFA is selling small pieces of the MetLife Stadium pitch — where the 2026 World Cup final will be played — on its website.

Priced at $450, a note on the sales page told buyers that parts of the pitch, encased in resin to preserve the grass, will be shipped after the final on July 19. The collectibles are manufactured by UK-based Keep Stub, which offers three additional versions on its website, priced at $900, $1,200, and $3,000. Each of the four tiers is limited to 2,026 pieces, meaning that if all sell out, they will generate more than $11.2 million in revenue.

This provoked concern in the New Jersey governor's office, as New Jersey taxpayers were the ones who paid for the field in the first place. According to documents obtained by northjersey.com, the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (NJSEA) spent $13.04 million to ensure the turf would meet FIFA's standards. The public agency attributed the spending to "design work, field construction and pitch maintenance equipment and service." The NJSEA is a public authority that operates the MetLife Sports Complex.

To state officials, it appeared that New Jersey had taken on all the costs while FIFA reaped the profit.

Steve Sigmund, a spokesperson for Gov. Sherrill, told The Athletic:

"As the Governor has said, New Jersey paid multiple millions for the total expense for the pitch at MetLife Stadium, so New Jersey taxpayers should share in any proceeds."

New Jersey Assembly Republicans agreed with Gov. Sherrill, a Democrat, underscoring how hostility toward FIFA has become a cross-party venture in New Jersey.

Assemblyman Mike Inganamort said:

"FIFA needs to get off our turf, literally. New Jersey taxpayers funded $13 million in upgrades to MetLife Stadium, including replacing the artificial turf with grass. Additionally, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority holds the stadium's land lease. This is state-owned property. FIFA can't just sell off the soccer pitch without permission."

He added:

"What is happening is not just a bad deal for the taxpayers of New Jersey, it's illegal. The Sherrill administration must use every tool at their disposal to stop FIFA from selling off our field, including seeking a restraining order."

Inganamort, who sits on the Assembly Budget Committee, continued:

"It is American-grown grass paid for by the taxpayers of New Jersey and planted at a state-owned complex. The sale must follow all the rules and laws that dictate how state surplus property is sold. It must benefit New Jersey taxpayers — not FIFA or a host committee that splits resources across New Jersey and New York."

He concluded:

"FIFA's World Cup was bankrolled by New Jersey taxpayers, and they have walked all over us. This is the final insult. It is time this administration stands up to them."

However, sources close to both FIFA and the joint host committee have claimed that, on this occasion, FIFA is only partially responsible. They say the host committee and FIFA have an agreement to sell a small portion of the pitch — extending to around five yards in total.