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SportsNew Jersey slams FIFA over plan to sell MetLife Stadium turf for $11.2M
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New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and state lawmakers have criticized FIFA and the World Cup host committee for selling pieces of the MetLife Stadium pitch, where the 2026 World Cup final will be played, as collectibles. The grass pieces, encased in resin, are 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. The state spent $13.04 million on the turf to meet FIFA standards, leading officials to argue that New Jersey taxpayers should share in the proceeds. Assemblyman Mike Inganamort called the sale illegal, stating the state-owned property cannot be sold without permission. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between New Jersey and FIFA ahead of the final.
Source report
New Jersey will host the FIFA World Cup final this Sunday at MetLife Stadium — but the buildup 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 on its website, where the 2026 World Cup final will be played.
The Collectibles
- Priced at $450, the collectibles feature pieces of the pitch encased in resin to preserve the grass.
- Buyers are told the items 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.
- If all sell out, the sales would generate more than $11.2 million in revenue.
New Jersey's Objection
The plan has drawn sharp criticism from the governor's office, as state taxpayers funded the installation of the pitch.
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 agency attributed the spending to "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.
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."
Bipartisan Backlash
New Jersey Assembly Republicans have joined Gov. Sherrill — a Democrat — in criticizing FIFA, underscoring how hostility toward the organization has become a cross-party 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."
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."
By Adam Crafton July 17, 2026 | Updated July 18, 2026 — 9:23 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