Fans Jeer as Broadcasters Air Ads During Water Breaks; U.S. Prosecutors Launch Probe into Skyrocketing Ticket Prices

[Anchor]

Behind the scenes of these spectacular matches, fans are voicing their frustration. Critics argue that the new rules introduced for this World Cup are designed for profit rather than for the players or the fans. In particular, U.S. prosecutors have launched an investigation into the skyrocketing ticket prices.

Reporter Park Won-gyeong has the story.

[Reporter]

At the opening match of the North and Central American World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.

After Mexico scored its second goal, the referee paused the game to call for a "cooling break."

This is a new rule introduced by FIFA starting with this World Cup, allowing for three minutes of rest in each half to protect players.

Broadcasters have been using this time for advertisements. Fox Sports, the exclusive U.S. broadcaster, was still airing ads and did not return to the live broadcast until 10 seconds after the game had resumed.

While the rule is intended to protect players from extreme heat, critics argue it is merely a tool for advertising revenue, as it is being applied uniformly even in domed stadiums where temperatures are kept constant.

[Omer Seye / South African soccer fan: The only reason there were boos during the cooling break is that many people think it's a way to make money.]

FIFA introduced a dynamic pricing system for this World Cup, where prices fluctuate based on demand. As a result, ticket prices have soared, with the cost of tickets for the final match rising nearly sevenfold compared to the Qatar World Cup four years ago.

[Omprakash Mundra / Volunteer from India: Many of my friends wanted to come here, but because the tickets cost $1,100 or $2,000, it's too difficult for them to come.]

Prosecutors in New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into whether FIFA manipulated demand-forecasting algorithms to artificially inflate ticket prices by creating fake demand.

[Letitia James / New York Attorney General: Unfortunately, FIFA has been using unfair ticket sales practices to set high prices, and we have issued subpoenas.]

In New York, where eight matches including the final will be held, the round-trip train fare to the stadium, which usually costs $13, has increased more than sevenfold on match days under the guise of "special management." Complaints are also mounting over excessive prices for food inside the stadium.

Video by Chae Cheol-ho
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.