Assemblyman Inganamort urges New Jersey to block FIFA from selling MetLife Stadium grass
TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblyman Michael Inganamort is calling on the Sherrill administration to seek a restraining order to stop FIFA from selling pieces of the grass field installed at MetLife Stadium for Sunday’s FIFA World Cup Final, arguing the field is state-owned property.
FIFA is offering preserved pieces of the stadium’s grass to fans for prices ranging from $450 to $3,000. Reports estimate the organization could generate more than $11 million if all of the pieces are sold.
“FIFA needs to get off our turf, literally,” Inganamort, R-Morris, 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.”
Inganamort contends the sale violates state laws governing the disposal of state-owned property and said the administration should take legal action to stop it.
“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 criticized the use of taxpayer funding to support New Jersey’s role as a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It is American-grown grass paid for by the taxpayers of New Jersey and planted at a state-owned complex,” Inganamort argued. “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, a public authority within the New Jersey Department of State, operates the MetLife Sports Complex.
“FIFA’s World Cup was bankrolled by New Jersey taxpayers, and they have walked all over us. This is the final insult. It is time this administration stands up to them,” Inganamort said.
