
FIFA has announced a $79 fee to display fans' names before matches at World Cup venues. FIFA, world soccer's governing body, has announced a "Super Shout Out" program that will allow fans to pay $79 (excluding tax) to have their name displayed on stadium scoreboards during the 72 group stage matches of this summer's World Cup. It is advertised that fans can reserve a "Shout Out slot" where their name will be displayed at "appropriate times" during the match, but the terms and conditions clearly state that "Super Shout Outs will be displayed before the match and will not be displayed during the match." FIFA says, ``Slots that can be displayed are limited and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis,'' adding, ``There is no guarantee of display time or position.'' You cannot choose when your name appears when making a purchase. Inappropriate names such as "Einstein" and "Superman" are filtered out. The program lists all 72 matches of the group stage, allowing users to choose which matches they would like their name to appear on and specify the number of slots they would like their name to appear on. You can purchase up to 4 items in one order, and if you purchase 4 items, it will cost you $316 (excluding tax). When you enter your name, we filter out inappropriate language and require you to scroll to confirm that you have read our terms of service and privacy policy. Display slots will no longer be available for purchase 72 hours prior to the start of the match. Your credit card will only be charged if the Shout Out is approved at FIFA's discretion. FIFA has been criticized by several organizations over its pricing for this summer's World Cup. In particular, criticism has focused on ticket prices. FIFA says the ticket prices reflect the North American market, where it is normal to pay hundreds of dollars to attend a sporting event. However, the proceeds will be reinvested into football around the world. A formal complaint has been lodged with the European Commission about the "too high" ticket prices. Football Supporters Europe, the European Union's national association for soccer fans, described the ticket prices as a "huge betrayal of World Cup tradition". Last week, The Athletic reported that FIFA has reversed certain policy changes following criticism. The policy is to allow spectators to bring in clear plastic water bottles before entering the match venue, with the exception of venues in Mexico, where no announcement has been made yet.