FIFA Chief Infantino Defends Visa Handling, Ticket Prices on Eve of World Cup
FIFA said it sold more than 6 million tickets and defended $60 starting prices as a way to limit resale markups and fund development.
- On Wednesday in Mexico City, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organization's handling of visa controversies and ticket pricing, stating FIFA seeks solutions but cannot override government decisions.
- Immigration challenges surfaced after U.S. authorities denied entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, citing links to "suspected members of terror organizations" for the decision.
- Infantino pointed to Iran's participation despite geopolitical tensions as evidence of FIFA's efforts to navigate complex circumstances, stating, "People were saying Iran couldn't come to the World Cup."
- Defending ticket costs, Infantino noted the average price is about US$500, while the $60 starting price remains the lowest for American playoff sports; FIFA has sold more than 6 million tickets.
- The World Cup kicks off on Thursday at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, the first stadium to host matches at three men's World Cups, with Infantino concluding, "Let the celebration begin.
39 Articles
39 Articles
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At a press conference, the president of FIFA minimized problems related to Iran's team, visas for nationals of certain countries, as well as criticism of ticket prices. Few things compared to the vastness of the project, according to himGianni Infantino is rare at a press conference. And when he comes in front of the media, it often sparks. In March 2023, after a re-election of his fingers in the nose in Kigali (Rwanda), he had asked himself the…
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