The Mexican arena, one of the most important locations in football history, is preparing to host the 2026 World Cup. However, implementation of plans is not going without problems. The owners of the stadium's private boxes are refusing to share their seats, creating tensions with FIFA and the tournament organisers.

Almost inalienable property rights

Azteca Stadium, which opened in 1966, offered to sell the boxes to private investors as a way to finance the project. The price was 115,000 pesos (about $9,000 in those days) and the purchase guaranteed the owners the privilege to use the lodge for 99 years. This right included access not only to football matches, but also concerts and other events, including the 1970 and 1986 World Cups. 38 years ago, a similar problem to the present one had to be solved.

In preparation for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA demanded full control of the stadiums 30 days before the first match and seven days after the last. However, the owners of the 134 private boxes at Azteca Stadium have refused to give up their seats, referring to ownership rights. They claim they have contracts that allow them to use their private seats without restriction, including during the World Cup.

FIFA, while usually demanding full control over the stadiums, has met strong resistance. The organisation has tried to work out a compromise, offering compensation or upgrading the boxes in exchange for their temporary surrender. However, not all owners are willing to negotiate. The details of the stadium redevelopment plans are unclear. Some lodge owners from outside the association have agreed to release their seats for the 2026 tournament in exchange for upgrades and other benefits.

VIP seats at Azteca Stadium are a prized commodity in Mexico City. The current asking price for a 20-square-metre private space ranges from 15 million to 25 million pesos ($900,000 to $1.5 million). Some owners rent them out for specific events for profit-making purposes.

© Gobierno CDMX

A representative of lodge owners' association speaks out

Roberto Ruano, spokesman for the lodge owners' association, insists that their rights are indisputable and sees no possibility of concessions. We’ve already paid for the right to be there when we purchased the title and there can be no restrictions for us. We have a title to support us. It’s not up for debate.

There were no issues in 1970. For the 1986 World Cup they wanted us out and we met with FIFA officials, and they allowed us to use our place without extra pay, so there’s a precedent for it Ruano added.

A chance for compromise?

The stadium's owner, Emilio Azcárraga Jean, said he hoped an agreement could be reached, although talks so far have failed to produce a specific solution. Asked for comment, the world football organisation said it was working with all 16 cities, including on plans to redevelop Azteca Stadium. Specific details on fan access and other match information will be announced in due course - FIFA says.

While the chance of a compromise always exists, at the moment it seems very remote. Who will step down first and who is right? Let's hope that the right solutions for all parties are worked out and Azteca Stadium becomes, without controversy, the first arena in the world to host three World Cup finals.

© Stadiony.net