sports
Gianni Infantino says high World Cup ticket prices are justified in US market
Fan groups have called prices a ‘monumental betrayal’

TL;DR
- Fifa President Gianni Infantino defends high World Cup ticket prices, citing US market laws and demand.
- Fan groups criticize prices as 'extortionate' and a 'monumental betrayal'.
- Fifa earns fees from resale tickets, even if they don't control the asking price.
- Infantino argues that low initial prices would result in higher resale markups.
- The most expensive ticket for the 2026 final is $11,000, compared to $1,600 in 2022.
- Over 500 million ticket requests were received for the 2026 World Cup.
- 25% of group stage tickets are priced under $300.