Tom Bergeron, the founder and editor in chief of New Jersey business news publication BINJE, writes about how it was World Cup finals credentialed.
Bergeron writes, “For weeks, I explained to those who asked how many thousands of soccer reporters there are around the world, so many of which have been spread out across the continent. They are all here now.
“Earlier this week, FIFA sent out a notice explaining how few media seats there are in MetLife Stadium. And how those put in spillover spots in parking lot tents would not have access to stadium due to increased security concerns.
“I figured I was doomed. And if I was edged out by an international journalist who has spent the past four years covering FIFA, I was good with that. It was only fair.
“But I know the effort I’ve made in the past year in the tri-state area. I know how many times I’ve been the only media member at an event. That’s why, after getting the pre-emptive letter from FIFA, I sent a pre-emptive plea back to a few key FIFA officials, pointing out the depth of my coverage.
“On Friday night, I learned I had a seat for the game. I’m beyond grateful for those who made my case. I hope it started with the fact that I was the only media member at a street festival in Newark so many months ago. And the 200 or so stories that came after it.”
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