Toronto police arrest soccer fan over 'FIFA = Greed' sign at World Cup match
A 64-year-old retiree was arrested and charged with trespassing after holding a protest sign criticizing FIFA ticket prices near Exhibition Place during a World Cup game.
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Jan Maracewicz, a 64-year-old retiree, was arrested and charged with trespassing after holding a sign reading "FIFA = Greed" near the FIFA Fan Festival entrance and Exhibition Place on June 26.
"I think I had the right to express my opinion. It wasn't vulgar. It was peaceful. It wasn't inciting any violence," Maracewicz said Toronto. He said he had previously attended a 2022 World Cup game in Qatar where tickets cost $50. In Toronto, Canada's home-opener match tickets ranged from $1,300 to $3,035.
Toronto police confirmed Maracewicz was arrested and released on a $65 ticket under the Trespass to Property Act. Since Exhibition Place is not public property, officers acted under the property owner's authority after Maracewicz was directed to leave and refused to comply. He has filed a complaint with police.
Maracewicz's arrest comes amid broader criticism of FIFA's pricing and policies during the tournament. Mayor Olivia Chow previously called FIFA's ban on reusable water bottles a "pure money grab," and Councillor Josh Matlow said hosting the World Cup was a "horrible deal for our citizens."
