All articles tagged with #infantino
Ticket prices for the World Cup have spiraled, pricing out many fans as some US opening-game seats top $1,000 and the final exceeds $10,000; Infantino argues the spike isn’t FIFA’s fault but stems from American resales, a stance echoed by critics including Donald Trump.
Former President Donald Trump told the New York Post he wouldn’t pay four-figure prices for United States World Cup games, saying he didn’t know the exact price for the USMNT’s opener. FIFA had set a base Category 3 price of about $1,120 for many fans, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended dynamic pricing as market-driven, while critics debunked his claim that college games cost less than $300. Trump said he would like to attend but wouldn’t personally pay those prices.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino laughed off backlash over reports that a 2026 World Cup final ticket could be priced above $2 million, promising to personally hand a hot dog to any buyer and arguing that high prices reflect a market-driven resale system. While some seats remain affordable, four final tickets neared $2.3 million, underscoring controversy over dynamic pricing; critics like Pep Guardiola lament affordability, but Infantino says prices align with the entertainment market and that FIFA, a not-for-profit, reinvests proceeds into football development.
At the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30, 2026, Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub and Israel Football Association Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman refused to shake hands after FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to mediate; Rajoub later reached to kiss Infantino on the cheek as Infantino spoke, underscoring ongoing political tensions affecting sports.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver that Iran will participate in the upcoming World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino tried to stage a peace moment between Israel and Palestine at FIFA’s annual congress, but no handshake or photo emerged as Palestinian FA president Jibril Rajoub pressed his grievances; Infantino pivoted to a future under-15 tournament, while Rajoub accused Israel of occupation and discrimination, and FIFA officials offered cautious comments about ongoing discussions—illustrating the difficulty of using football to bridge a deeply entrenched conflict.
At the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Gianni Infantino's plan to stage a joint photo with Palestinian and Israeli officials backfired when Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Israel's Basim Sheikh Suliman, highlighting the limits of Infantino's diplomacy as he confirms a bid for a third term in the next FIFA election in Rabat, Morocco.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, with Iran set to play in California (Inglewood vs. New Zealand on June 15 and vs. Belgium on June 21) and in Seattle (vs. Egypt on June 26), despite earlier security concerns about the team.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says Iran will participate in the World Cup for sure, despite ongoing war, signaling the team’s spot remains secure.
EU sports commissioner Glenn Micallef told POLITICO that FIFA must provide clear safety assurances for European fans traveling to the 2026 World Cup in North America, criticizing the lack of follow-up after their Brussels meeting; FIFA says safety is a top priority, but Micallef says there’s room for more clarity while also questioning FIFA’s diplomacy, the NBA’s European league plan, and Russia’s use of sport for propaganda.
An opinion piece argues that Gianni Infantino’s close alignment with Donald Trump—seen in gifts, public praise, and appearances—threatens FIFA’s political neutrality as Trump questions Iran’s participation in the World Cup, triggering criticism, an ethics complaint, and debates over how security, visas, and diplomacy should intersect with the tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino argues referees should presume a player who covers his mouth during confrontations has said something inappropriate, and if the remarks are racist, the player should be sent off. He urged decisive, deterrent measures and noted Ifab discussions to curb players hiding what they say. The stance follows the Gianluca Prestianni incident with Vinícius Jr. and UEFA’s provisional one‑match ban pending full investigation.
The IOC said it will investigate FIFA president Gianni Infantino for potential breaches of its neutrality charter after he attended the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s The Board of Peace, wore a USA hat, and announced a FIFA partnership, a controversy tied to his longstanding ties with Trump.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino urged CAF to take action after chaotic AFCON final where Senegal’s players briefly walked off in protest over a stoppage-time Morocco penalty; CAF and FRMF condemned the incidents and opened investigations, with potential disciplinary measures anticipated.
Trump has shown a strong interest in FIFA, hosting its president Infantino multiple times and using the World Cup as a platform to highlight his influence, while also promoting safety and beautification efforts in Washington.