The tension over New York City and New Jersey’s partnership for this summer’s World Cup has taken a new twist, after New Jersey requested that signage be changed so that its name goes in front of New York’s on at least one side of the MetLife Stadium for the World Cup.Work is now underway to adjust the most prominent of the two signs at the stadium to New Jersey New York, rather than New York New Jersey. This sign is the one that fans will see as they exit the New Jersey Transit rail system as the stadium first comes into view.A joint host-city partnership between New York and New Jersey was established to host World Cup games at MetLife Stadium as far back as the bid book for the joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2018.MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was eventually awarded eight games, including the final, while it will also house four World Cup teams (Brazil, Senegal, Haiti and Morocco) at training bases during the tournament. The idea was to merge the power of New York’s global name and reputation with the infrastructure of New Jersey and it was decided that the name of the host committee would be New York New Jersey.This included signage on the stadium, with MetLife’s name replaced during the tournament as FIFA’s agreement with host cities decrees that venues must be free from all commercial sponsors other than FIFA’s own.The venue therefore became named as New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the tournament, including two large signs at the venue which makes this clear.New York’s name has been placed in front of New Jersey for the stadium’s marketing during the tournament (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)‘Putting New Jersey first’However, a request came from Governor Mikie Sherrill’s office to FIFA and the host committee that they wanted New Jersey’s role, investment and contribution to the World Cup to be better reflected, and her office wanted the name to be changed.“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,” said Governor Sherrill.“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.”