Inganamort says FIFA’s sale of World Cup turf is illegal, urges Sherrill to intervene

Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (R-Chester) says FIFA has no legal authority to sell pieces of the grass field used for Sunday’s World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, arguing that the pitch is state-owned property paid for by New Jersey taxpayers.

The Morris County Republican called on Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration to take immediate legal action to block the sale, including seeking a temporary restraining order.

“FIFA needs to get off our turf, literally,” Inganamort 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 marketing preserved sections of the World Cup Final playing surface to fans for prices ranging from $450 to $3,000, with published reports estimating that the organization could generate up to $11.2 million if every piece is sold.

“What is happening is not just a bad deal for the taxpayers of New Jersey, it’s illegal,” Inganamort said. “The Sherrill administration must use every tool at their disposal to stop FIFA from selling off our field, including seeking a restraining order.”

A member of the Assembly Budget Committee, Inganamort has been a critic of using tax dollars to host World Cup matches in New Jersey.  He contends that because the grass was purchased with public funds and installed at a state-owned complex, any sale of the turf should be governed by the laws that regulate the disposal of state surplus property.

“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 New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which operates the MetLife Sports Complex, is a state authority.

“FIFA’s World Cup was bankrolled by New Jersey taxpayers, and they have walked all over us,” Inganamort said.  “This is the final insult. It is time this administration stands up to them.”