MEXICO CITY (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed concerns regarding the ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup, asserting that if there are issues, they are shared by everyone in North America. The tournament, which features 48 nations and 104 games, is set to commence on Thursday.
The ticket pricing structure has sparked significant debate, with prices starting at $140 and escalating up to $8,680 for ordinary seats for the final match scheduled on July 19 in New Jersey. Following criticism over the steep prices, FIFA opted to provide a limited number of $60 tickets for national federations intended for their regular supporters. The prices for the final have also been reported to rise to $10,990 and even $32,970 in certain instances.
In defending the pricing strategy, Infantino claimed that the average ticket price is below $500, which he states is comparable to other sports events in the United States during their playoff seasons. While this may hold true for resale ticket prices, it appears to diverge from the list prices typically offered directly through FIFA. Infantino expressed indifference regarding investigations led by the attorneys general in states such as California, New Jersey, New York, and Texas concerning ticket pricing practices.
Infantino emphasized that the fluctuating prices fans encounter on the secondary market are beyond FIFA's jurisdiction. He cited the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs as an example of how escalating prices are not unique to the World Cup but are evident in other major American sporting events as well.
“We are very relaxed about it because before starting to sell 6.5 million or 7 million tickets, we check what we do with the best lawyers,” Infantino stated. He conveyed a welcoming attitude towards the ongoing investigations, indicating that FIFA has taken the necessary legal precautions regarding their ticket sales practices.
Additionally, Infantino acknowledged FIFA's limitations in facilitating the entry of Somali referee Omar Artan into the United States, advising that the public “should chill.” He noted, “We are not the kings of the world,” highlighting the organization’s inability to control external governmental policies.
Overall, Infantino's statements reveal FIFA's steadfast position on ticket pricing and related challenges as the World Cup approaches, while suggesting that similar issues affect a broader spectrum of sporting events in the United States.
