John Swinney has called on FIFA to end dynamic pricing for World Cup tickets after supporters were hit with eye-watering costs to follow Scotland this summer.
The First Minister has written to FIFA President Gianni Infantino urging him to introduce a fairer ticketing model, warning that too many members of the Tartan Army risk being priced out of Scotland’s first men’s World Cup since 1998.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The Tartan Army are the greatest supporters in the world, and have waited almost 30 years for the World Cup.They should not be priced out by dynamic ticket pricing.
“I’ve written to FIFA to urge fairer and more affordable prices. Football should be about fans, not finances.”
Full letter from the First Minister to FIFA President Gianni Infantino:
Dear Gianni Infantino,
As you will know, this summer Scotland will return to the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Our victory against Denmark led to the most remarkable scenes as people across Scotland celebrated one of the proudest moments in our recent sporting memory.
Steve Clarke and the team have instilled a sense of confidence and pride in our country that only our national game can bring.
That incredible moment for our nation will live long in the memory and in just a few months’ time thousands will embark on a trip to America to follow Scotland in our games against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil and, with a bit of magic from the boys, beyond that too.
Our Tartan Army has the chance to see our men’s national team at a World Cup for the first time in decades, but our historic return has been marred by FIFA’s dynamic pricing model that has made the trip simply unaffordable for so many loyal supporters.
This model has made this the most expensive World Cup in history and it is the opposite of what football, and indeed the biggest sporting occasion on the planet, should be about.
Scotland fans, travelling across the globe, are entirely justified in calling for you to put an end to this pricing model, particularly during a cost of living crisis when people are really struggling. I am urging you to act to introduce a fair, affordable ticketing model for fans going forward.
Scotland gave birth to our beautiful game and its management has been entrusted to you. But as you know football belongs to fans. It is now imperative you take responsibility to ensure that remains the case.
Scotland’s National Stadium, Hampden Park, and Easter Road Stadium – home of Hibernian Football Club – have been included as proposed venues in the UK’s formal bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035.
The application, under the banner of ‘All Together’, reflects the partnership of the four countries involved in the proposal.
The bid includes 22 proposed stadiums – 16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland – across 16 host cities. With 63 million people living within two hours of a proposed venue, it would be the most accessible tournament ever.
A joint statement from the four respective CEOs – including the Scottish FA’s Ian Maxwell – said: “Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations. If we are successful, the 2035 tournament will be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil, with 4.5 million tickets available for fans.
“We are proud of the growth that we’ve driven in recent years across the women’s and girls’ game but there is still so much more growth to come, and this event will play a key role in helping us deliver that.
“Working together with FIFA, a Women’s World Cup in the UK has the power to turbo-charge the women’s and girls’ game both in the UK and globally. Our bid also demonstrates our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy, in the run-up to 2035, and the years afterwards.
“Together, we want to welcome the world to the UK to celebrate and enjoy an unforgettable tournament.”
The 22 proposed stadiums offer a blend of heritage, cutting-edge innovation and elite operational excellence that will be ready to deliver exceptional FIFA-compliant facilities. The 16 host cities provide a network of extensive infrastructure, ample accommodation, efficient transportation and culture.
The tournament would involve 104 matches contested by 48 teams over 39 days, with 48 team base camp training sites, 82 venue-specific training sites and 32 FIFA Fan Festival Sites proposed.
Passionate fans, strong media reach and innovative digital engagement not only ensure that this would be a successful tournament, but also provide a transformational commercial opportunity for global growth and reinvestment in the women’s game for the benefit of the wider FIFA family.
The four nations are committed to leaving a lasting legacy that will be delivered via three key pillars:
Participation: Increase access locally and worldwide, focusing on under-represented communities.
Leadership: Empower women in leadership; double female officials by 2035; and deliver global mentoring and education programmes.
Commercial growth: Transform the game’s commercial potential; attract new fans and partners; and reinvest revenues into grassroots and elite pathways.
Homeless World Cup Foundation signs memorandum of understanding with FIFA
FIFA to supply materials and stream upcoming tournaments on FIFA+
50 days to go until the next tournaments are played in Korea Republic
In line with its commitment to improving the lives of people worldwide through football, FIFA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the Homeless World Cup Foundation (HWCF), which organises the annual Homeless World Cup women’s and men’s tournaments which are aimed to support and inspire homeless people to change their lives.
As part of the MoU, FIFA and HWCF have agreed to jointly broadcast the event on FIFA+, FIFA’s streaming platform, while FIFA will also supply material and equipment, including medals and trophies.
The signature of the agreement coincided with the 50 days to go landmark on Friday 2nd August as the next Homeless World Cup will take place in Seoul, Korea Republic from 21 to 28 September 2024 – the first time the competition will be staged in Asia.
“I am delighted that FIFA will be supporting this wonderful tournament and to be partnering with the Homeless World Cup Foundation,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“The Homeless World Cup is a perfect example of how football can bring people together to challenge existing social perceptions and improve people’s lives. FIFA is excited to contribute, because we share the view of the Homeless World Cup Foundation that football is a force for good, and starting from the upcoming edition in Seoul, FIFA will contribute in ensuring that this tournament continues to make a real impact that supports homeless people all across the world.”
Mel Young, Homeless World Cup President said: “We are delighted to sign a partnership agreement today with FIFA which will greatly enhance the delivery of the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup.
“The tournament, which starts on 21 September 2024, will see over 500 players from 49 countries across the globe taking part in the 19th edition of the Homeless World Cup at Hanyang University.
“The purpose of the Homeless World Cup is to use football as a way of ending homelessness and 1.2 million people have benefited from the initiative since it was born in 2003.
“Sport has real power, and we have proved that it can be a force for good. FIFA is committed to supporting those in need so a partnership between the Homeless World Cup and FIFA is natural. Longer term the impact will be very significant.”
In addition, FIFA and HWCF will also explore co-branding opportunities, including on the pitch side at the venues, and on the internet including social media platforms.
The Homeless World Cup first took place in Graz, Austria, in 2003 and it has been played annually (except during the COVID-19 pandemic). The tournament is an aspirational goal for individuals seeking a better future, and a powerful way to challenge how people think about homelessness.
The 2024 finals, which features 20 teams in the women’s tournament and 44 in the men’s tournament, was the inspiration for the film “The Beautiful Game”. The Homeless World Cup format features four-a-side matches with rolling substitutions and consist of two halves of seven minutes.
In terms of eligibility for the tournament, homelessness is defined according to the national context of each country. In countries without a legal definition, working definitions by local housing non-governmental organisations or academics are used.
In more good news, in Seoul on Thursday 1st August, Tottenham Hotspur first-team and Italian national players Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie joined the Korean Men’s Seoul 2024 Homeless World Squad in a special meet and greet, having the chance to watch the squad train and both players participated in a Q&A with the Korean team.
The Homeless World Cup Foundation also had the opportunity to educate the Spurs duo on the rules that make the Homeless World Cup so unique and how the tournament impacts the lives of those who need it the most.
Finally, also on Friday 2nd August, FC Bayern Munich welcomed the Korean Homeless World Cup players, the Seoul 2024 Local Organising Committee and the Homeless World Cup Foundation to a special roof-top event in Korea’s capital.
The players had the opportunity to learn from the experienced Bayern coaching team in a special training session and had the exclusive chance to experience the training drills that Bayern’s superstar players face week in week out.
At the event there was a special ceremony, where FC Bayern Munich player Noussair Mazraoui, German, Bayern legend Raimond Aumann and the two vice presidents of FC Bayern Munich, Professor Dr Dieter Mayer and Walter Mennekes joined James McMeekin from the Homeless World Cup Foundation to talk about the magic of the Homeless World Cup.
Dr Deiter Mayer spoke about the values of Germany’s most successful club aligning to the vision and mission of the Homeless World Cup Foundation:“We’re very proud that we as FC Bayern Munich get to meet the Homeless World Cup Foundation and the team of South Korea here.
“For decades, our club has been characterised by the fact that it always looks out for people who are less fortunate. Presidents such as Uli Hoeneß and Franz Beckenbauer embedded the social conscience in the club’s DNA, and our current leadership around Herbert Hainer are continuing this tradition.
“The Homeless World Cup helps to improve the prospects of the people affected. Football unites and creates a feeling of community – and our club wants to offer everyone a home.”
Heat Waves by Glass Animals is the most streamed FIFA song, with a staggering 1.9 billion streams on Spotify.
Blur’s Song 2 is the oldest song in the ranking, placing seventh overall, with more than 560 million streams.
The 2010s dominate the ranking, with 14 entries in the top 20.
A new study has revealed the most popular FIFA songs, with Glass Animal’s Heat Waves taking the top spot.
The research, conducted by online gaming site Solitaired.com, analysed Spotify data to discover the number of streams every song featured on a FIFA soundtrack has ever received, from FIFA: World Cup ‘98 to the most recent FIFA 22 game, launched last year.
A spokesperson for Solitaired.com commented on the findings: “Since 1998, the music that accompanies FIFA game menus has slowly but surely blossomed into one of the game’s main selling points and with every new game comes a new, almost equally anticipated, soundtrack.
With the FIFA 23 release date on September 27th, it will be interesting to see how the current ranking of the most streamed FIFA songs changes as the new soundtrack is revealed, which will sadly be the last game, and soundtrack, of the games’ series.”
The most streamed FIFA songs
The study revealed that Heat Waves by Glass Animals is the most streamed song featured on a FIFA soundtrack, with a staggering 1.9 billion streams on Spotify. Heat Waves featured on FIFA 2021, which appeared on the British group Glass Animals’ third studio album, Dreamland. The song reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and number one in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, where it also reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Ranking second is The Nights by the late Swedish DJ AVICII, with more than 1.1 billion streams. The song appeared on the FIFA 15 soundtrack after being released in late 2014. Billie Eilish’s hit single you should see me in a crown is next on the list, with more than 692 million streams, closely followed by Imagine Dragon’s On Top of the World, with 683 million Spotify streams.
Interestingly, the songs from the 2010s dominate the top 20, with 14 entries overall, including fan-favourite Love Me Again by John Newman which featured on FIFA 14, ranking eighth overall, with 494 million streams.
Additionally, only one song from the 1990s made the top 20 – Song 2 by Blur, making it the oldest song in the ranking. With more than 560 million streams to date, Song 2 featured on the soundtrack for FIFA: Road to World Cup ‘98, which was the first game in the series to feature a soundtrack.
The Top 20 Most Streamed FIFA Songs
Artist:
Song:
Year:
Total Spotify Streams:
1. Glass Animals
Heat Waves
2021
1,946,964,717
2. AVICII
The Nights
2015
1,163,964,283
3. Billie Eilish
you should see me in a crown
2019
692,812,784
4. Imagine Dragons
On Top of the World
2013
683,964,847
5. Kaleo
Way Down We Go
2016
643,561,438
6. MGMT
Kids
2009
599,007,927
7. Blur
Song 2
1998
560,576,371
8. John Newman
Love Me Again
2014
494,064,676
9. Rosalia & Ozuna
Yo x Ti, Tu x Mi
2020
465,460,354
10. Vance Joy
Mess Is Mine
2015
395,291,133
11. LSD ft. Labrinth, Sia, Diplo
Genius
2019
382,638,591
12. Muse
Supermassive Black Hole
2007
370,594,842
13. Major Lazer
Que Calor
2020
347,958,743
14. Peter Bjorn and John
Young Folks
2008
338,367,458
15. New Order
Blue Monday
2005
285,463,188
16. Kygo ft. Kodaline
Raging
2017
270,224,195
17. Gorillaz
Rhinestone Eyes
2011
264,349,990
18. Saint Motel
My Type
2015
253,134,043
19. Childish Gambino
Feels Like Summer
2019
245,942,140
20. Disclosure ft. Sam Smith
Omen
2016
238,175,156
The most streamed FIFA songs of the 2000s
FIFA soundtracks are reflective of the year they are released, so they often provide a source of nostalgia for many long-time players. Unsurprisingly, Kids by MGMT ranks as the most streamed FIFA song from the 2000s, from 2009 specifically, with 599 million streams on Spotify. Supermassive Black Hole by Muse ranks next from 2007, with 370 million total streams, closely followed by Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John from 2008, with more than 338 million streams.
Also, the research revealed that FIFA 2009 is a popular soundtrack with fans, with five entries from 2009 in the top 15 songs from the 2000s. These songs include: Kids by MGMT, Mercy by Duffy, Untouched by The Veronicas, Always Where I Need to Be by The Kooks and Ready For the Floor (Soulwax Remix) by Hot Chip.
The Top 15 Most Streamed FIFA Songs of the 2000s
Artist:
Song:
Year:
Total Spotify Streams:
1. MGMT
Kids
2009
599,007,927
2. Muse
Supermassive Black Hole
2007
370,594,842
3. Peter Bjorn and John
Young Folks
2008
338,367,458
4. New Order
Blue Monday
2005
285,463,188
5. Duffy
Mercy
2009
232,202,405
6. Caesars
Jerk It Out
2004
193,467,887
7. The Jam
Town Called Malice
2004
147,686,251
8. The Veronicas
Untouched
2009
133,517,836
9. Bloc Party
Helicopter
2006
103,448,991
10. Scissor Sisters
Take Your Mama
2005
92,965,463
11. Safri Duo
Played A-Live (The Bongo Song)
2003
73,877,764
12. The Kooks
Always Where I Need to Be
2009
63,288,599
13. Hot Chip
Ready For the Floor (Soulwax Remix)
2009
62,539,194
14. Tribalistas
Ja Sei Namorar
2004
58,835,591
15. Gorillaz
19-2000 (Soulchild Remix)
2002
57,139,760
The ultimate FIFA playlist
Within the FIFA community, many fans often discuss and debate the most iconic songs ever featured on the game, as well as their favourite soundtracks by year. The below table lists the most streamed song on each FIFA soundtrack since 1998, including some classic fan-favourites and a few surprises.
Interestingly, English band Gorillaz are the only artist to feature twice, both in 2002 with 19-2000 (Soulchild Remix), which has received 57 million Spotify streams and in 2011 with Rhinestone Eyes, which has 264 million streams.
The Most Streamed FIFA Songs from Every Year
Year:
Artist:
Song:
Total Spotify Streams:
1998
Blur
Song 2
560,576,371
1999
Fatboy Slim
The Rockafeller Skank
86,888,733
2000
Reel Big Fish
Sell Out
47,532,833
2001
Moby
Bodyrock
17,895,220
2002
Gorillaz
19-2000 (Soulchild Remix)
57,139,760
2003
Safri Duo
Played-A-Live (The Bongo Song)
73,877,764
2004
Caesars
Jerk It Out
193,467,887
2005
New Order
Blue Monday
285,463,188
2006
Bloc Party
Helicopter
103,448,991
2007
Muse
Supermassive Black Hole
370,594,842
2008
Peter Bjorn and John
Young Folks
338,367,458
2009
MGMT
Kids
599,007,927
2010
Matt & Kim
Daylight
167,592,928
2011
Gorillaz
Rhinestone Eyes
264,349,990
2012
Foster the People
Call It What You Want
106,199,550
2013
Imagine Dragons
On Top of the World
683,964,847
2014
John Newman
Love Me Again
494,064,676
2015
AVICII
The Nights
1,163,964,283
2016
Kaleo
Way Down We Go
643,561,438
2017
Kygo ft. Kodaline
Raging
270,224,195
2018
Tash Sultana
Jungle
194,454,302
2019
Billie Eilish
you should see me in a crown
692,812,784
2020
Rosalia & Ozuna
Yo x Ti, Tu x Mi
465,460,354
2021
Glass Animals
Heat Waves
1,946,964,717
2022
Seb
Seaside_Demo
117,223,691
The research was conducted by Solitaired.com, a free, browser-based card game platform with more than 500 games available to play.
