FIFA is about to turn a corner in its quest to monetize the World Cup final, and it’s got nothing to do with ticket sales or sponsorship deals. The organization is selling pieces of the World Cup final stadium pitch as memorabilia, with prices starting at $450 and going all the way up to $1,200.
Turf for sale: what’s behind FIFA’s latest move?
The World Cup final may be over, but FIFA is still looking for ways to squeeze every last drop out of the tournament. By hawking chunks of the stadium pitch, the organization is essentially turning a piece of history into a luxury item that fans can buy and own.
This move is reminiscent of the way that companies like eBay and StubHub have sold pieces of the Berlin Wall in the past, often for thousands of dollars. Of course, those pieces were part of a global monument that symbolized the end of the Cold War, while the World Cup final pitch is, well, a piece of grass.
Who’s buying, and why?
Fans of the winning team, of course, will be at the top of the list. They’ll be snapping up pitch segments as a way to commemorate their team’s victory and hold onto a piece of history. But the buyers won’t be limited to just fans of the winning team – anyone who’s interested in owning a unique piece of sporting history may find themselves tempted.
It’s also worth noting that pieces of the pitch will likely become a sought-after collectible item, especially in the months and years following the World Cup. As a result, prices may escalate as demand rises, making each individual segment a potentially lucrative investment opportunity.
What this means
For fans and collectors, the sale of World Cup final pitch segments offers a rare chance to own a piece of history. For FIFA, it’s a way to keep the momentum going even after the tournament is over, and potentially rake in millions of dollars in the process.
Whether or not you’re interested in buying a piece of the pitch, one thing is clear: FIFA is willing to think outside the box when it comes to monetizing the World Cup. As the organization continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer habits, we can expect to see even more creative – and potentially lucrative – ways to turn the World Cup into a global business.
