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SportsNew Jersey Governor Criticizes FIFA Over MetLife Stadium Grass Sale, Says Taxpayers Should Share Proceeds
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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has criticized FIFA and the World Cup host committee for selling pieces of the MetLife Stadium pitch as collectibles, arguing that state taxpayers funded the $13.04 million turf upgrade and should share in any proceeds. FIFA is selling resin-encased grass pieces from the World Cup final pitch, priced between $450 and $3,000, with a total potential revenue of over $11.2 million if all 2,026 pieces per tier sell out. New Jersey Assembly Republicans, including Assemblyman Mike Inganamort, have joined the criticism, calling the sale 'illegal' and suggesting the state could seek a restraining order. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between New Jersey officials and FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
Source report
New Jersey is set to host the FIFA World Cup final this Sunday at MetLife Stadium, but the lead-up has been marked by yet another clash between Governor Mikie Sherrill and world soccer's governing body.
The latest dispute erupted this week after FIFA began selling small pieces of the MetLife Stadium pitch — where the 2026 World Cup final will be played — on its website.
Pricing and Sales Details
- The collectibles are priced at $450 on FIFA's website, with a note stating that pieces of the pitch, encased in resin, will be shipped after the final on July 19.
- The items are manufactured by UK-based Keep Stub, which offers three additional versions on its own website priced at $900, $1,200, and $3,000.
- Each of the four tiers is limited to 2,026 pieces.
- If all pieces sell out, total revenue would exceed $11.2 million.
New Jersey's Objections
The plan has drawn sharp criticism from the governor's office, as state taxpayers funded the installation and maintenance of the field.
According to documents obtained by northjersey.com, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) spent $13.04 million to ensure the turf met FIFA's standards. The spending covered "design work, field construction and pitch maintenance equipment and service." The NJSEA is a public authority that operates the Meadowlands Sports Complex, which houses MetLife Stadium.
From New Jersey's perspective, the state bore all the costs while FIFA stands to profit.
Steve Sigmund, a spokesperson for Governor 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."
Bipartisan Backlash
New Jersey Assembly Republicans have joined Governor Sherrill — a Democrat — in opposing FIFA's plan, underscoring how hostility toward the organization has become a bipartisan issue in the state.
Assemblyman Mike Inganamort, who sits on the Assembly Budget Committee, 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.
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"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 added:
"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."
By Adam Crafton July 17, 2026 | Updated July 18, 2026 — 2:58 PM EDT
Source
Soccer - The AthleticWestern
Part of this Story
FIFA sells pieces of 2026 World Cup final turf as collectibles for up to $3,000