FIFA is giving fans a cool new World Cup experience for $79, but it might not work out as planned.
FIFA is offering a brand-new perk for the upcoming World Cup, but some people are worried it might not go smoothly.
The tournament, held in North America and co-hosted by three countries, is making history with 48 teams. It starts on Thursday with Mexico playing South Africa, a repeat of the 2010 opening game.
This World Cup is full of exciting firsts, like three opening ceremonies and a halftime show at the final featuring Shakira, Madonna, and BTS.
One new feature is the ‘Super Shoutout,’ which will appear on the scoreboards during games starting at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday. Fans can buy shoutouts online for $79 (down from $99) to appear during matches.
On FIFA’s fan spotlight website, fans choose any game and reserve a shoutout slot. Most slots for Mexico vs South Africa and Korea Republic vs the Czech Republic are already sold, but you can still get shoutouts for other games, even the last group match between Congo DR and Uzbekistan on June 27 in Atlanta. You can buy up to four shoutouts at once.
Fans pick their team and enter their name for the shoutout, but some worry pranksters might misuse this chance. On Reddit, users joked about the idea of letting random people post messages visible to millions, expecting it could lead to trouble.
FIFA does say they will watch names carefully. Their rules say shoutouts can’t have offensive or misleading content, and buyers agree to let their messages be shown during broadcasts while following FIFA’s terms and privacy policy.
Another special chance FIFA is offering is to have your name on the carpet players will walk on during the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This ‘Walk of Fans’ costs $159.90 and comes with a limited-edition framed keepsake with the carpet cut-out featuring fan names, which will be shipped to buyers.
It’s a unique way for fans to feel part of this huge event, even if some parts have people a bit nervous about how it will all go!