Zohran Mamdani’s Reign and the Battle against FIFA Greed

After winning the election for mayor of New York City, an exuberant Zohran Mamdani took to the stage at his victory speech and declared, "If there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power." While he was referencing Donald Trump, his sentiment could easily apply to FIFA, the world’s governing body for soccer. With his new platform as mayor, Mamdani is poised to challenge FIFA’s exploitative practices, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

The "Game Over Greed" Campaign

Mamdani’s initial move against FIFA came in September with the launch of his “Game Over Greed” campaign. This initiative specifically targets FIFA’s objectionable use of dynamic pricing for 2026 World Cup tickets, which he describes as an “affront to the game.” His petition calls for FIFA to halt its dynamic pricing scheme, impose a price cap on resale tickets on its platform, and reserve a portion of tickets specifically for local residents. As a longtime Arsenal fan, Mamdani expressed his frustration on the Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast, stating that it has long troubled him how those who steward the game prioritize profit over the passion of its fans.

Pushing for Transparency and Accountability

Now that Mamdani is in a position of power, he has the chance to expand his campaign against FIFA’s dubious practices. One of the most pressing issues at hand is FIFA’s extensive tax exemptions. The governing body has been likened to a "floating sovereign" by lawyer Sophie Nakueira, who analyzed contracts from FIFA’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This description paints FIFA as a parastate that acts like a parasite, draining resources from its host nations.

FIFA’s tax exemptions have become a cornerstone of its revenue model, particularly in the context of the lucrative 2026 World Cup. The organization aims to secure a staggering $11 billion in revenue during the four-year cycle leading up to the event. This figure is significantly higher than the $7.5 billion it generated from the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Such financial ambitions reinforce the notion that FIFA operates more as a profit-seeking business than as a steward of the sport.

The Costs of Hosting the World Cup

With host cities taking on the financial risk associated with the World Cup, the burden often falls squarely on taxpayers while FIFA reaps the rewards. Local governments are compelled to allocate substantial amounts for security, infrastructure, and logistical needs. Recently, concerns have emerged that each host city could face upwards of $150 million in expenses related to playing host to the tournament. This financial strain underscores the need for transparency in one-sided contracts that favor FIFA to the detriment of local economies.

Mamdani’s campaign should demand that all FIFA contracts be made public to ensure accountability. The New York-New Jersey contract has already come under scrutiny, and many have concluded that it gives disproportionate power to FIFA, enabling the organization to dictate terms while leaving local authorities with minimal leverage. To truly empower local communities, every host city’s contract with FIFA should be accessible for public review, ensuring that residents understand what obligations their city has undertaken.

The Fight for Fairness

FIFA has insisted that the revenue generated from events like the World Cup is reinvested into the growth of the sport globally. However, local communities struggling with the demands of hosting the tournament often see little of this investment. As public sentiment increasingly turns against corporate greed, Mamdani has the unique opportunity to lead a movement for fairer practices within FIFA.

Activist campaigns have previously succeeded in convincing major corporations to waive their tax exemptions. A notable example from 2012 involves shaming corporate sponsors of the London Olympics into forgoing tax incentives. Leveraging modern grassroots organizing tactics, Mamdani could rally public support to reclaim public funds that should benefit local communities rather than enrich multinational corporations.

Mitigating the Impact on Local Communities

Mamdani’s administration can also address the myriad challenges faced by local residents due to FIFA’s demands. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, cities are grappling with the implications of hosting matches amid pressing budgetary constraints. Reports have surfaced indicating that planning for the World Cup remains a priority in cities like Vancouver, even as local governments face layoffs due to budgetary shortfalls.

The contracts that host cities sign don’t just serve FIFA’s interests; they also mandate local governments to fulfill certain financial requirements. Yet, many contracts aren’t made public, leading to a veil of secrecy regarding how taxpayers’ money is allocated. By pushing for amendments to these contracts, Mamdani can create space for negotiations that prioritize the welfare of local residents over FIFA’s corporate interests.

The Broader Context of Wealth Inequality

With the broader economic context pointing to a growing wealth divide, Mamdani’s challenge to FIFA aligns well with the increasing public demand for wealth redistribution. His rise to mayor has tapped into a collective frustration with corporate power. By holding FIFA accountable, Mamdani can amplify this sentiment, advocating for a fairer division of World Cup-related revenues that elevates the communities most affected by FIFA’s monumental events.

FIFA’s current business model exemplifies a form of "trickle-up" economics, benefiting the organization at the expense of the very communities in which it operates. Mamdani’s tenure provides a significant opportunity to expose this framework, alleging that FIFA focuses solely on profit rather than the love of the game. Whether or not he succeeds in holding FIFA accountable remains to be seen, but he has the platform and the public support to make meaningful strides.

For working-class communities facing affordability crises, the stakes have never been higher. With the World Cup looming, Mamdani’s leadership could redefine the narrative and reshape the relationship between FIFA and its host cities. The time is ripe for a challenge against entrenched corporate interests, and Mamdani stands at the forefront of this potential transformation.