FIFA President Defends World Cup Ticket Prices, Says Fans ‘Should Chill’ About Somali Ref Denied US Entry
Infantino said FIFA cannot control U.S. entry rules and noted it sold 7 million tickets after checking visa plans with experts.
- On Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision to host the 2026 World Cup in the United States during a press conference in Mexico City, insisting he does not regret the choice despite visa and ticketing controversies.
- Visa denials have marred the tournament's buildup, including the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan over 'association with suspected members of terror organizations,' while the Iranian Football Federation relocated its training base to Mexico.
- Critics slammed high ticket prices, with final seats reaching $8,680, though Infantino argued costs were comparable to other U.S. sports; FIFA later released 130,000 $60 tickets to national federations following heavy criticism.
- Attorneys general in California, New Jersey, New York, and Texas have launched inquiries into pricing and visa complaints, though Infantino dismissed these concerns, stating he is 'very relaxed' about legal investigations.
- Infantino credited President Trump for the tournament's realization, stating it would have been 'impossible' without his involvement; the 48-nation event begins Thursday with matches across three countries over 38 days.
42 Articles
42 Articles
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has responded to the criticism the world football governing body is facing regarding the organization of the World Cup. Issues such as Iran's participation, ticket prices, and visas are particularly frequently mentioned by critics.
The president of FIFA said Wednesday that visas to attend the 2026 World Cup come out of control, in response to the controversy by the Somali referee and part of the technical team of Iran to whom the United States refused entry. The 2026 World Cup starts on Thursday in what Gianni Infantino called a "Football Cathedral": the Aztec stadium in Mexico City, only to receive for the third time in history an inaugural match of this competition. "It …
FIFA prez Gianni Infantino says people ‘should chill’ about Somali referee denied US entry while doubling down on World Cup ticket prices
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended World Cup ticket prices, saying Wednesday “if we are doing something wrong, everyone in North America is doing something wrong.”
Los Angeles Times
FIFA President Gianni Infantino pleas for patience, urges people to relax amid backlash
While he runs the most popular global sporting event, FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists he is no king and must try to broker peace as best he can.
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