FIFA is selling the turf used in the World Cup final for a staggering $450 per piece, with each segment measuring 17.5 by 17.5 by 17.5.
The world’s governing body of football has come under fire for charging high prices for various World Cup merchandise, but selling actual pieces of the tournament field is a new low. According to FIFA’s online store, these pieces of turf will be shipped directly from East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the tournament is currently being held.
What’s in a piece of turf?
The dimensions of the turf pieces are listed on FIFA’s website, but the unit of measurement is not specified, leaving customers to wonder exactly what they’re buying. Is it 17.5 inches by 17.5 inches by 17.5 inches, or is it 17.5 centimeters by 17.5 centimeters by 17.5 centimeters? And what exactly will they be receiving in the mail? A full piece of turf, or just a small sample?
Why would anyone buy this?
The price point of $450 per piece of turf is steep, to say the least. For that kind of money, fans could buy a high-quality football signed by their favorite player, or even a state-of-the-art football video game. So why would anyone shell out that kind of cash for a piece of turf?
Perhaps it’s a collector’s item for die-hard fans, or a unique keepsake for those who want to remember the excitement of the World Cup final. Whatever the reason, FIFA seems happy to capitalize on the demand, and will likely make a tidy profit from the sale of these turf pieces.
What this means
For fans of the beautiful game, buying a piece of turf from FIFA may be a novelty that’s hard to resist. But for the average soccer fan, it’s a reminder that the tournament is a multi-billion dollar industry, and that even the smallest details can be exploited for profit. As the World Cup continues to grow in popularity, it will be interesting to see how FIFA’s business strategies continue to evolve.
