In a move that has sparked controversy in the world of football, luxury box owners at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium are challenging FIFA over a 60-year-old agreement that grants them unlimited access to their seats for 99 years. This dispute arises as the stadium prepares to host the 2026 World Cup.
Roberto Ruano, the spokesperson for an association of 134 box owners, has made it clear that he has no intention of relinquishing his luxury box during the World Cup. "We've already paid for the right to be there when we purchased the title and there can be no restrictions for us," Ruano stated. "We have a title to support us. It's not up for debate."
The roots of this conflict trace back to the 1960s when the stadium was under construction. To finance the project, Mexican businessman Emilio Azcárraga Milmo sold boxes to private investors for 115,000 pesos, roughly $9,000 at the time, granting the owners rights to use them for 99 years. This included access to football matches, concerts, and other events, including the 1970 and 1986 World Cups.
FIFA, however, has expressed its desire to have full control of the World Cup stadiums 30 days before the first match and seven days after the last. The organization has stated that it is working with all 16 host cities of the 2026 World Cup, including on remodeling plans for Azteca Stadium.
The Azteca boxes are a highly sought-after commodity in Mexico City, with the current asking price for a 20-square-meter box ranging from 15 million to 25 million pesos ($900,000 to $1.5 million). Some owners even rent them out for specific events.
The 83,000-seat stadium is set to host five games during the 2026 World Cup, including the opening match. As the first venue to host games during three World Cups, Azteca Stadium holds a unique place in football history.
Ruano, whose father bought the title for the box, remains hopeful that the issue will be resolved after recent discussions with stadium officials. Emilio Azcárraga Jean, the current owner of the stadium, also expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon.
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