Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices and Trump ties: 'I regret nothing'

Rare press appearance

One day before the Mexico-South Africa opener, FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced reporters near the Estadio Azteca for the first time in three years. The session was marked by lengthy monologues and two reminders to 'talk about football,' drawing comparisons to the style of his ally Donald Trump.

Ticket-price firestorm

Infantino defended the pricing as market-driven, not arbitrary. 'It's not like someone wakes up and decides the prices,' he said. He pointed to a $60 entry level and $500 average, claiming both beat US playoff benchmarks. But critics note that only a fraction of seats are offered at the lowest tier, while the final in New Jersey saw hospitality packages listed at up to €600,000 and a single ticket sold for $32,970 in May. Infantino's response: 'Every dollar we generate goes back into football.'

Barred referee raises visa tensions

The denial of a US visa to Somali match official Omar Artan drew questions. Infantino called it 'naturally unfortunate' but stressed FIFA's limits. 'We try to find solutions, but we must respect that we are not the kings of the world running governments and police. We are a sports organization.' He urged calm, saying 'sometimes it's good to just chill, relax.' Later he teased 'we hope we have good news,' but gave no details.

Trump friendship unapologetic

Infantino said he was 'very happy' about his 'very good relationship' with Trump, arguing that 'without his engagement and involvement, it would have been simply impossible to organize a World Cup in the United States.' Asked if he regretted awarding co-hosting rights to the US amid political tensions and the US-Iran conflict, he replied: 'I regret nothing.'

Media reacts

International press lambasted the performance.

“Gianni Infantino's Trumpian blather is a chaotic start to the World Cup.”

The Athletic described a 'Death Star' of a tournament where 'concessions and human costs have crossed an invisible threshold.' Mexican outlet Récord noted 'no general euphoria at any of the venues, just protests, migrant raids in the US, and shootings in Canada.' Even German outlets called the presser 'defiant' and 'bizarre.'

Entry-level60

Average500

Highest reported final ticket32,970

Entry-level

60 $

Average

500 $

Highest reported final ticket

32970 $

Data from the article text