FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again defended the high ticket prices for this summer's World Cup, arguing that attending a college game in the United States is more expensive.
Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino addressed criticism over the pricing structure and the use of dynamic pricing for the tournament.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and Euroconsumers have filed complaints with the European Commission after fans in national-team travel clubs were offered initial cheapest tickets for the final at over £3,000.
Recently, FIFA's resale website listed four tickets to the final for $2.3 million each. While FIFA does not control the asking price, it charges a 15 per cent purchase fee from buyers and a 15 per cent resale fee from sellers.
Infantino previously noted that revenue from the tournament supports global football development. He explained that resale prices do not reflect actual ticket costs, and if someone buys a $2 million ticket, he would personally provide a hot dog and Coke for a great experience.
He emphasised that the US entertainment market requires applying market rates, and reselling is permitted. He stated that 25 per cent of group-stage tickets are under $300, claiming one cannot attend a college game or top professional match for less than that amount, and this is the World Cup.
