Fifa President Addresses World Cup Concerns at Davos Summit
Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa, has delivered a robust defence of ticket pricing for the upcoming 2026 World Cup while making a humorous reference to British football supporters' historical conduct. Speaking at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the football chief tackled multiple controversies surrounding the tournament scheduled for North America.
Humorous Reference to British Fan Behaviour
During his address to global leaders, Infantino reflected on the successful 2022 Qatar World Cup, noting the remarkable absence of incidents involving British supporters. "For the first time in history, no Brit was arrested during a World Cup. Imagine! This is something really, really special," he remarked with evident amusement. The Fifa president emphasised that the forthcoming tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico would replicate this celebratory atmosphere, describing it as "the greatest celebration of humanity" where people seek occasions to unite and enjoy shared experiences.
Football Supporters' Association Response
The Football Supporters' Association swiftly countered Infantino's comments, urging him to prioritise affordable access over humorous observations. "While we've got Mr Infantino's attention, we'd like to point out that rather than making cheap jokes about our fans, he should concentrate on making cheap tickets," the organisation stated, highlighting the ongoing tension between football's governing body and supporter groups regarding accessibility.
Defending Controversial Ticket Pricing Structure
Infantino acknowledged the intense criticism directed at Fifa's ticket pricing strategy, revealing he had been "hammered" particularly by German and English critics. The pricing structure has drawn significant scrutiny, with the second-cheapest category for the final priced at $4,185 (£3,100) and only minimal availability in the $40 category. Despite this, Infantino presented compelling statistics to justify the approach:
- Fifa received over 500 million ticket requests during the recent application window
- The United States leads demand, followed by Germany and England
- Every match is expected to sell out completely
"To give you another number, to compare this in 100 years of World Cup history, Fifa has sold around 50 million tickets in total. For this World Cup, in these four weeks we have the request for 1,000 years of World Cups at once," Infantino revealed, suggesting unprecedented global interest in the tournament.
Addressing Visa Concerns and Political Tensions
The Fifa president directly addressed circulating reports suggesting fans from certain nations might face visa denials for US entry. "The United States, Canada and Mexico will welcome the world next summer, and this is what we are looking forward to," he asserted, dismissing concerns despite expectations that supporters from Haiti, Iran, and Senegal might encounter particular difficulties. Infantino's comments come amid broader concerns about political tensions and human rights considerations surrounding the tournament's North American hosts.
Ticket Resale Market Implications
Infantino further noted that Fifa's official ticket resale platform would likely see tickets changing hands at "even higher prices," acknowledging the secondary market's role in the tournament's commercial ecosystem. This admission underscores the complex economic dynamics surrounding major sporting events and their accessibility to ordinary fans.
The Davos address has reignited debates about football's commercial direction, fan accessibility, and the balance between celebration and exclusion in global sporting spectacles.
