World Cup, debate over ticket prices - FIFA President Infantino: Let the party begin!
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the way world soccer's governing body had handled visa issues ahead of the World Cup, saying on Wednesday that he was working to find solutions but could not override government decisions.
Speaking on the eve of the tournament's opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, Infantino addressed concerns about Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the US despite having a valid visa. "We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organization," Infantino told a news conference.
The case has drawn attention to immigration challenges ahead of the June 11-July 19 tournament, after US authorities said Artani was denied entry due to his ties to "suspected members of terrorist organisations".
The Swiss-Italian executive repeatedly returned to a message of unity, saying the World Cup could provide a welcome distraction at a time of global conflict and uncertainty. "When Iran plays, the stadium will be full and I hope there will be a positive atmosphere because this is football," he said. "We want to unite the world."
Infantino also defended FIFA's ticket prices after criticism from some supporters who argued that the cost of attending matches had become excessive. FIFA has sold more than six million tickets for the tournament, which now has 48 teams, and demand had exceeded expectations by "a factor of 10 or more," he said.
"The starting price of $60 is the lowest entry price of any American sport in the playoff stages," Infantino said. "If you had sold it at a lower price, it would have gone on the secondary markets at much higher prices. Every dollar that comes in goes back into the development of football." The World Cup starts today, and Infantino heralded it with the phrase: "Let the party begin!"
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