​Infantino Criticized for Joking About British Fans, Urged to Lower World Cup Ticket Prices

January 23 – According to *The Times*, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has faced criticism for making a “tasteless joke” about the behavior of British fans, with supporters’ leaders arguing he should focus on providing affordable tickets for this summer’s World Cup.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Infantino remarked that the 2022 Qatar World Cup was “very special” partly because no British fans were arrested.

He also defended the ticketing pricing policy for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico – a policy that has led FIFA to be accused of greed by fan groups.

“When the action started and the miracle happened, we had almost no incidents,” Infantino said of the 2022 World Cup. “And, for the first time ever, not a single Englishman was arrested during a World Cup. Incredible! That was really, really special.”

“So it was a celebration, a party, and it will be exactly the same in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. People need opportunities to meet, spend time together and celebrate, and that is what we try to provide them.”

Responding to Infantino’s comments, the Football Supporters’ Association stated: “Now that we have Mr Infantino’s attention, we would point out that rather than make cheap jokes at the expense of our fans, he could focus on lowering ticket prices.”

FIFA has allocated a small number of tickets priced at $60 for each match, but the majority of tickets for the final cost at least **$4,185 (£3,100)**.

FIFA stated that during the latest application window, ticket requests exceeded **500 million**.

“Tickets are not cheap,” Infantino added. “We were heavily criticised. I was heavily criticised, actually, because they are so expensive. Of course, the main critics were from Germany and from England. Now, the No 1 in demand for tickets is the U.S., No 2 is Germany, No 3 is England, because everybody wants to come.”

FIFA has not released details on ticket demand distribution or pricing categories for the 104 matches, but Infantino claimed: “Every match will be sold out.”

Source: The Times