FIFA President Gianni Infantino Defends Organization Amid World Cup Controversies

On the eve of a World Cup marked by controversies, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed confidence in the face of criticism. Speaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, he addressed issues such as high ticket prices, visa restrictions, and implications for Iran’s soccer team.

The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey are investigating FIFA over its ticket pricing strategy. Prices have soared, reaching up to ten times what they were in the previous World Cup. Despite this scrutiny, Mr. Infantino remains unperturbed, asserting that FIFA followed legal guidance before setting prices. “If we’ve done something wrong, probably everybody in North America is selling tickets wrong as well,” he commented.

FIFA’s financial approach is also a focal point. Mr. Infantino, with a salary of around $6 million, highlighted that FIFA channels much of its revenue into global soccer development.

The organization faced another challenge when a World Cup referee from Somalia, Omar Artan, was denied entry into the United States. Held for several hours, he was eventually sent back to Turkey. Mr. Infantino expressed empathy for Mr. Artan, who was warmly received in Somalia, yet urged critics to relax, reiterating FIFA’s efforts amid constraints.

This event drew attention to tensions surrounding entry into the United States, a matter Mr. Infantino has consistently downplayed.

The tournament has opened against the backdrop of the United States’ ongoing conflict with Iran, a first for a World Cup host. The Iranian team’s participation faced months of uncertainty, with visas only secured in the past ten days. Over a dozen staff and officials were denied entry, resulting in the team relocating its base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.

Mr. Infantino lauded FIFA’s role in ensuring Iran’s involvement, declaring he would have transported them by bus from Tehran if necessary for their participation.

Tariq Panja covers global sports, examining intersections of finance, geopolitics, and crime within the industry.