FIFA President Infantino Defends World Cup Ticket Prices, Addresses Referee Entry Denial
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the 2026 World Cup's high ticket prices on Wednesday, claiming they are comparable to other North American sports and that the average price is under $500. He also addressed the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, saying FIFA cannot control government immigration decisions and that people should "chill" about the situation. The comments come as multiple state attorneys general investigate FIFA's pricing practices and the tournament begins Thursday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended World Cup ticket pricing that starts at $140 but reaches up to $32,970 for the final in New Jersey, arguing that if pricing is wrong, "everyone in North America is doing something wrong." He claimed the average ticket price is under $500 and comparable to NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final prices, though the article notes this comparison appears accurate for resale prices but not list prices. Infantino also addressed the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied U.S. entry at Miami International Airport after being flagged as "associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations" by the State Department. Infantino stated FIFA cannot dictate to governments whom to admit and is working "behind the scenes" to resolve the situation. The comments come as investigations proceed in California, New Jersey, New York, and Texas, and as the tournament begins Thursday with concerns about potential disruptions from social unrest in Mexico City.
What different sources said
- NYT WorldLeft
FIFA President Tells World Cup Critics to ‘Chill’ About Concerns
- EuronewsCenter
Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices, says fans 'should chill' about ref denied US entry
- AP NewsCenter
FIFA’s Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices, says fans ‘should chill’ about ref denied US entry
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices on eve of World Cup
- BBC Top StoriesCenter
Infantino could have stood up for the World Cup - but he said 'chill, relax'
FIFA President Gianni Infantino pleas for patience, urges people to relax amid backlash
- France 24Center
Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices, dismisses referee US entry dispute
- PBS NewsHourLeft
FIFA's Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices, says fans 'should chill' about ref denied US entry
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
FIFA boss tells critics to ‘chill’ after referee denied US entry over suspected terror links
- New York PostRight
FIFA prez Gianni Infantino says people ‘should chill’ about Somali referee denied US entry while doubling down on World Cup ticket prices
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