New Jersey’s kicking up a real fuss.
New Jersey’s governor is on a petty mission to change MetLife Stadium’s temporary signage for the World Cup after New York was given top billing for the monumental event, sources said.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill has joined thousands of Garden Staters who have been boo-hooing the currently dubbed NY/NJ Stadium, saying the host state shouldn’t be the one playing second fiddle on its own turf — and their whining has seemingly earned them a consolation prize.
Just one measly sign will place New Jersey first, but the stadium will still put the Empire State as the top seed.
When pressed on the spat, Sherrill admitted she was leading closed talks to reverse the order.
“I will always put New Jersey first, and I wanted to make sure the stadium hosting eight World Cup matches in our state did the same,” Sherrill said Friday.
“We are thrilled to welcome soccer fans from around the world this summer, and this recognition helps ensure the experience is just as exciting and memorable for New Jerseyans as it is for our visitors.”
Sherrill has apparently been leading the trivial mission behind closed doors for several weeks.
The politician had no chance at scoring, but was offered a consolation prize instead.
While the signs on the stadium itself will continue to herald New York first, one sign placed at the stadium fan entrance will say New Jersey/New York to mollify Sherrill, The Athletic reported.
FIFA requires stadiums to go by their geographical names during the World Cup, and the Empire State secured top billing despite it taking place on New Jersey’s turf as part of an agreement made during predecessor Gov. Phil Murphy’s tenure.
The name order fueled the rivalry between the two states, and sent New Jerseyans fuming over what they say is worthy of a red card.
Gov. Kathy Hochul only drove the knife in deeper, saying in April that “New York isn’t just hosting the World Cup, New York is the World Cup.”
Neither MetLife Stadium nor FIFA immediately responded to requests for comment.
Sherrill’s petty mission was revealed just one day after Mayor Zohran Mamdani boasted that the Big Apple will hold a lottery for 1,000 discounted FIFA World Cup tickets for lucky winners.
The $50 tickets would include free round-trip bus rides to the matches and would only be available to residents of the five boroughs.
New Jersey fans were left high and dry.
