Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices, says fans 'should chill' about ref denied US entry

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended World Cup ticket prices on Wednesday, saying 'if we are doing something wrong, everyone in North America is doing something wrong.' FIFA priced tickets starting at $140 (€121) for the 48-nation, 104-game tournament starting Thursday, and regular seats up to $8,680 (€7,518) for the July 19 final in New Jersey, with prices eventually rising to $10,990 (€9,518) and then $32,970 (€28,556). After fan criticism, FIFA offered a small number of $60 (€51) tickets to national federations. Infantino said 130,000 tickets were offered at that price out of 6-7 million total, and that the average ticket price was under $500 (€433), comparable to US sports playoff prices – a claim that appears true for resale but not list prices. He said he was unconcerned about investigations by attorneys general in California, New Jersey, New York and Texas. 'We are very relaxed about it because before selling 6.5 or 7 million tickets we check what we do with the best lawyers. We welcome every investigation,' he said. The NBA Finals have had widely varying get-in prices, from about $500 for the first two games in San Antonio to about $10,000 (€8,661) for Game 3 in New York. The Stanley Cup Final included get-in prices of at least $600 (€519) for each of the first four games. Infantino called it 'unfortunate' that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US and said people 'should chill.' He added FIFA cannot dictate to governments who to let in, though it is working 'behind the scenes.' Artan insisted he had the correct visa but was turned back at Miami International Airport and put on a flight back to Turkey. A US State Department official said the referee was 'associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations,' making him ineligible for admission. Thousands welcomed Artan back to Mogadishu on Wednesday. 'I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud,' he said. Meanwhile, concerns grew that the opener in Mexico City could be disrupted by social unrest. Protesters blocked an avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday, though police prevented them from reaching the stadium. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the opening match was 'guaranteed' but ruled out using police to repress demonstrations. US President Donald Trump, who has forged a close friendship with Infantino, announced plans to attend the World Cup without specifying games. On the pitch, Argentina's Lionel Messi scored moments after coming off the bench on Tuesday, dispelling injury doubts and helping the holders win their final warm-up 3-0 against Iceland. Messi, driving Argentina to their third World Cup crown four years ago and set for his sixth tournament, scored a penalty. Argentina's first match is on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.