Infantino’s Perspective on Pricing
During the Milken Institute Global Conference, FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered a defense regarding the controversial ticket pricing for the upcoming World Cup. He argued that the cost of attending tournament matches remains competitive, noting that one-quarter of group stage tickets are priced below $300.
«You cannot go to watch in the U.S. a college game, not even speaking about a top professional game of a certain level, for less than $300. And this is the World Cup,» Infantino stated during the event.
Following these comments, a representative for FIFA clarified that Infantino was specifically referencing the high-stakes playoff and championship environment of American college football rather than regular-season matches.
Market Comparisons and Reality
While high-profile college football championship games can command prices exceeding $3,000 on the resale market, data suggests that many postseason tickets are frequently available for significantly less than $300. For instance, tickets for certain bowl games have historically been listed for as little as $28 on the day prior to the event.
Despite the introduction of a $60 supporter tier, FIFA has faced significant criticism throughout the sales process. Many tickets for the U.S.-hosted tournament are reaching prices in the thousands, with premium seats for the July 19 final in New Jersey surpassing $10,000 earlier this year.
The Role of the Resale Market
Addressing concerns about secondary market inflation, Infantino emphasized that FIFA operates as a non-profit organization and relies on tournament revenue to fund its global initiatives for the subsequent four-year cycle. He noted that the organization must operate according to current market rates.
Regarding the secondary market platform—where FIFA retains a 15% commission from both parties involved in a transaction—the president clarified that his organization does not dictate the exorbitant prices set by third-party sellers:
«If some people put on a secondary, on the resale market some tickets for the final at $2 million, number one, it doesn’t mean that the tickets cost $2 million, number two, it doesn’t mean that somebody will buy these tickets. Actually, if somebody buys a ticket for the final for $2 million, I will personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience,» Infantino added.