FIFA’s Infantino: World Cup ticket prices at US market rates

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has again defended high ticket prices for this summer’s World Cup and stopped resale seats for the final costing more than $2 million.

During an appearance at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, Infantino addressed criticism of soccer’s world governing body over the adoption of fixed prices and dynamic pricing for tournaments.

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Fifa has accused fans of “monumental betrayal” over the cost of tickets, but Infantino has previously insisted that revenue from the flagship tournament supports the development of global football.

The addition of more expensive divisions has angered fans even more as the tournament approaches. Many of the still general sale tickets are for more expensive categories.

“We have to look at the market,” Infantino said. “We’re in a market where entertainment is the most advanced in the world, so we have to apply market rates.

“In the United States, ticket resale is also allowed, so if you sell tickets at a very low price, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price. And in fact, even though some people say that our tickets are overpriced, they still end up on the resale market at a higher price, more than double our price.”

Tickets are available through resale platforms including FIFA’s own marketplace, and last month there were four seats for the World Cup final Each is listed for just under $2.3 million.

FIFA does not control the asking price on its resale platform but charges a 15% purchase fee from the buyer of each ticket and a 15% resale fee from the seller.

“If some people put some tickets for $2 million on the resale market for the finals, No. 1, that doesn’t mean the tickets are worth $2 million, and it doesn’t mean anyone’s going to buy those tickets,” Infantino said.

“And if someone buys a ticket to the finals for $2 million, I’ll personally bring a hot dog and a Coke so they have a great experience.”

Tickets for most FIFA World Cup group games range from $380 to $4,105 on general sale, with just over a month until the tournament kicks off on June 11.

Tickets are still available on FIFA’s official website through its “Last Minute Sales” section after being released in batches in different phases since September.

“We have 25% of group stage tickets available for under $300,” Infantino said. “You can’t go see a college game in the United States, let alone a top professional game at a certain level, for less than $300. And that’s the World Cup.”

While prices for Super Bowls and college football national championship games can rival what some are charging for World Cup matches, tickets to college and professional sporting events in the United States, including the ongoing NBA playoffs, are regularly available for under $300.

PA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.