Just to be clear: This isn’t a joke.
Assemblyman Michael Inganamort is angry with FIFA – and the state – over the playing
surface used for the FIFA World Cup final.
It has nothing to do with its thickness or support, but what’s going to happen to it now
that the 39-day event is over.
Inganamort calls it a million-dollar question. Perhaps even an $11 million-dollar
question. That’s how much he says FIFA stands to make from selling off pieces of
MetLife Stadium’s grass field.
Inganamort says it’s illegal because it is state-owned property.
“FIFA needs to get off our turf, literally,” he said. “New Jersey taxpayers funded $13
million in upgrades to MetLife Stadium, including replacing the artificial turf with grass.
Additionally, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority holds the stadium’s land
lease. This is state-owned property. FIFA can’t just sell off the soccer pitch without
permission.”
FIFA is selling pieces of preserved grass from the stadium to fans for between $450 and
$3,000, depending on the size of the turf. Reports estimate FIFA could make $11.2
million if all the pieces sell.
And if we know anything about how FIFA operates it’s this: They go by the letter of the
legal contract.
You can bet that the rights to the field are theirs – it’s the type of thing stadiums and
states have to agree to get the matches (see signage, naming rights, etc.)
But that’s doesn’t mean Inganamort isn’t raising a good point.
And it would be funny if it weren’t for the potential dollars involved.
Inganamort is calling for action.
“What is happening is not just a bad deal for the taxpayers of New Jersey, it’s illegal,” he said. “The Sherrill administration must use every tool at their disposal to stop FIFA
from selling off our field, including seeking a restraining order.”
The GOP lawmaker, who is a member of the Assembly Budget Committee, has been
highly critical of the funding that went toward hosting the World Cup games in New
Jersey. Again, it’s the way the bidding game works.
But that’s not stopping Inganamort from making his opening argument.
“It is American-grown grass paid for by the taxpayers of New Jersey and planted at a
state-owned complex,” he said. “The sale must follow all the rules and laws that dictate
how state surplus property is sold. It must benefit New Jersey taxpayers — not FIFA or
a host committee that splits resources across New Jersey and New York.”
The NJSEA is a public authority that is under the Department of State and operates the
MetLife Sports Complex,” he said.
“FIFA’s World Cup was bankrolled by New Jersey taxpayers, and they have walked all
over us,” he said. “This is the final insult.”
One that can be felt up and down the field.
