Families divided by World Cup cost. Who goes?
Football's coming home with a large credit-card bill
Right, which kid shall I take to the World Cup? Can afford to take only one. Thanks, Fifa. That’s the choice some parents wake up to today. This might seem a First World problem, and is not even a consideration for many in First World countries beset by economic problems, but anyone with any familiarity of England away will know kids also travel to summer tournaments.
Of the many sad strands to Fifa’s egregious ticket pricing for the World Cup one of the most miserable is the dispiriting, divisive effect it may have on families. Some parents wait for the draw in early December, plan a June or July treat for the family to a World Cup game or two, and do the big reveal on Christmas Day. Parents save up for a trip of a life-time, a life-time of memories, as well as the months of excited expectation. It’s family-bonding, too. Even Qatar 2022, which overlapped with school, saw families attend. Some families were put off by the fears of trouble at Russia 2018 but others went and had a brilliant time.
Because of the outrageous cost of 2026 tickets, I know fans who usually go for the duration of England’s journey but will do only a few of the games. I also know fans who won’t be going with their kids. It’s just too expensive, especially as kids pay adult prices. For a family of four to attend England’s group stage matches is £1,868 for tickets alone. Flights, accommodation and transport all send the cost spiralling past £20,000. At the risk of going full Herod how do you pick which child goes, if you can afford only one? What damage does that to the child left behind? Or if only one parent goes? Imagine the family discussions this month. It’s truly the nightmare before Christmas. For separated parents does it then become a battle for offspring’s affections? So many complications, potential for conflict, and sorrow. And there are other ramifications.