Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, defended World Cup ticket prices on Tuesday, arguing that the international governing body of football was required to exploit US regulations that let tickets to be resold for thousands of dollars more than face value.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a supporter organization, has harshly criticized FIFA over the price of World Cup tickets, calling it “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal.”
FIFA was sued by FSE in March by the European Commission over “excessive ticket prices” for the competition.
Four tickets to the July 19 final in New York were advertised last week for more than $2 million apiece on FIFA’s own World Cup resale website, FIFA Marketplace.
Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino claimed that the exorbitant costs were a reflection of the demand for World Cup viewing.
“First of all, it doesn’t mean that the tickets cost $2 million if some people put some tickets for the final on the resale market at $2 million,” Infantino stated.
Infantino added, “And number two, it doesn’t mean that somebody will buy these tickets.” “And if someone purchases a $2 million ticket to the final, I will personally bring him a Coke and a hot dog to ensure he has an amazing time.
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