FIFA president Gianni Infantino has responded to criticism over the high cost of World Cup tickets.
The tournament, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, has been eight years in the making. However, many fans are unhappy because they cannot afford to attend matches.
This year’s World Cup has been described as the most expensive tournament in history for fans.
When Infantino was asked about high ticket prices on Tuesday, he downplayed concerns from supporters who feel they are being priced out.
“You know, they are not angry when they have to watch other sports in the U.S., of which the prices are actually much higher than the World Cup prices,” Infantino told CNBC.
Before tickets went on sale last September, FIFA said the cheapest group-stage ticket would cost $60. The most expensive ticket for the final was listed at $6,730.
However, FIFA also said it would use dynamic pricing once ticket sales began. This means prices could rise when demand increases.
As of Wednesday, the cheapest group-stage ticket was $167 for Cabo Verde against Saudi Arabia.
On StubHub, the most expensive ticket for the final was listed at almost $67,000.
The rise in prices has led to more criticism, especially because many tickets are still available.
According to FIFA data compiled by the Financial Times, almost 200,000 tickets were still available between official resale platforms and FIFA’s direct listings on Wednesday, one day before the tournament begins.
The United States men’s national team’s opening match against Paraguay also had 4,400 tickets still available.
Until this week, tickets for that match started at $1,000.
In an interview with the New York Post last month, President Donald Trump said that price was too high.
“I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you,” Trump said.
On Wednesday, Trump told reporters he would attend the World Cup, but he did not give details.
Attorneys general in tournament host states New York, New Jersey, California and Texas have launched investigations into FIFA’s ticket sales practices.
The investigations are looking into ticket pricing and reports that some fans paid for specific seats but later found they had a worse view than expected.
“No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James.
James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued subpoenas to FIFA last month.
