FIFA president says World Cup ticket prices in line with U.S. market

As debates over World Cup ticket prices continue, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the costs are comparable to most American sporting events.

FIFA has faced criticism for the prices of tickets to the quadrennial tournament, which begins June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Infantino emphasized that market rates need to be applied.

"In the U.S., it is permitted to resell tickets as well, so if you were to sell tickets at a price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price," Infantino said Tuesday at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills. "Even though some people say our ticket prices are high, they still end up on the resale market at an even higher price, more than double our price."

A quick check on Ticketmaster Wednesday for the June 19 group-stage match between the United States and Australia in Seattle showed steep prices. The lowest resale price for two tickets early Wednesday evening was $2,725.10, including $2,290 for the tickets and $435.10 in service fees. Just 30 minutes later, the price for upper-deck seats along the sideline at Lumen Field rose to $2,770.90.

FIFA charges a 15% purchase fee from buyers and a 15% fee from sellers on its own resale platform.

Infantino, however, defended the prices. "We have 25% of the group-stage tickets which can be bought for less than $300," he said. "You cannot go to watch a college game in the U.S., let alone a top professional game, for less than $300. And this is the World Cup."

Last month, FIFA listed four tickets for the World Cup final in East Rutherford, N.J., for just under $2.3 million each, located in the lower deck behind the goal.

Infantino clarified, "If some people put tickets for the final on the resale market for $2 million, it doesn’t mean that the tickets cost $2 million, and it doesn’t mean someone will buy them. And if somebody buys a ticket for $2 million, I will personally bring a hot dog and a Coke to make sure they have a great experience."

—Field Level Media/Reuters