FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices on eve of World Cup - Reuters
FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices on eve of World Cup Reuters
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Notable Quotes
"He defends visa handling and ticket prices on the eve of the World Cup."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"On the eve of the start of the World Cup FIFA’s president acknowledged three main concerns outside of soccer’s realm which had been dominating headlines ahead of the tournament."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"there are always tickets on sale."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to eleven host cities across America."
— Davis Ingle , Politician
"We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"There are issues; it’s normal for an event of this magnitude."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"The starting price at $60 is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the playoff phases."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Let the celebration begin."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
""It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia.""
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
""We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation.""
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
""There are issues; it's normal for an event of this magnitude.""
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
""The starting price at US$60 is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the playoff phases.""
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
""Let the celebration begin.""
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Maybe sometimes it is good as well to just chill and relax."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Every dollar that comes in goes back to the development of football."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Infantino defends visa handling and ticket prices on eve of World Cup."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"if we are doing something wrong, everyone in North America is doing something wrong."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"We always try to make the situation as positive as possible and to find solutions."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud...Despite what has happened to me, I am not discouraged."
— Omar Artan , Athlete
"I spoke to Gianni this morning...he said there's never been anything close."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"the opening match was guaranteed."
— Claudia Sheinbaum , Politician
"We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"There are issues; it's normal for an event of this magnitude."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Let the celebration begin."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
Key People
Claudia Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico City.
Davis Ingle is a White House spokesman.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
President of FIFA.
Jennifer Davenport is the Attorney General of New Jersey.
Letitia James is the Attorney General of New York.
Lionel Messi is a renowned Argentine soccer player, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Omar Artan is a Somali Fifa referee who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals.
Somali referee Omar Artan was set to become the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals.
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<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivAFBVV95cUxNbGNZdTRQMXM0UFF2SjJOdlBNYU5ENHk3djVtWXJHSjlSeWdUM29iZ2dxMGNXUmJubFlTUk44SU9Kc1F3RzdUdDBpZWF2b3hzWXJOYTdoX0xTQ2lfc2ZjZ0tMNm1FdDRPaU8wWk1VN0ZtcHdRbW1NcHpsR3o0ZTNXMlZRNE56WUJrNnJsNEoyQ09kNjVlZXJYOHhVeXlabnBmTk9wSmJmdUZoN0dQRlJla1l3Q0hGZmo4VVpXcw?oc=5" target="_blank">FIFA chief Infantino defends visa handling, ticket prices on eve of World Cup</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the way soccer’s governing body had handled visa issues ahead of the World Cup, saying on Wednesday that it was working to find solutions but could not override government decisions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the way soccer’s governing body had handled visa issues ahead of the World Cup, saying on Wednesday that it was working to find solutions but could not override government decisions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended World Cup ... , stating they align with North American sports standards, and addressed concerns over Somali referee Omar Artan's U.S. entry denial.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the denial of U.S. entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, urging fans to 'chill and relax' and defended FIFA's handling of ticket prices.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended ... pricing, rejecting criticism over rising costs and arguing that the pricing model reflects broader market practices across North America.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended FIFA's handling of visa issues and ticket pricing ahead of the World Cup, stating FIFA cannot override government decisions and that ticket prices are comparable to other U.S. sports events.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended FIFA's handling of visa issues ahead of the World Cup, stating that while solutions are being sought, FIFA cannot override government decisions.
As the 2026 World Cup kicks off, FIFA has implemented dynamic pricing, leading to record-high ticket costs across the 16 host stadiums in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Despite the steep prices, 29 matches have sold out, while 75 still have tickets available, including key knockout stage games.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, nearly 180,000 tickets remain unsold, raising concerns about empty stadiums across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Despite high expectations, demand has been weak, with exorbitant ticket prices being a key factor.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended World Cup ticket prices, stating they align with North American sports standards, and addressed the denial of U.S. entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, emphasizing FIFA's limited influence over government decisions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended World Cup ticket prices, stating they align with North American sports standards, and addressed concerns over Somali referee Omar Artan's U.S. entry denial.
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