World Cup Grass Keepsakes: FIFA’s $3,000 Patch Prompts NJ Revenue Tug-of-War

FIFA plans to cut up roughly five square yards of the World Cup final pitch at MetLife Stadium into numbered souvenirs selling for up to $3,000, and New Jersey officials say the state taxpayers deserve a cut to help cover stadium and infrastructure costs, while the host committee says proceeds will support regional programs; FIFA licenses the IP and most revenue goes to FIFA or the host committee’s general fund, reflecting a broader fight over who benefits from World Cup profits.