Gianni Infantino criticizes British football fans in speech in Davos.

In the recent edition of the World Economic Forum in Davos, FIFA President Gianni Infantino did not hesitate to make a joke about the behavior of British football fans, taking the opportunity to address crucial issues related to the upcoming World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This event, which promises to be a true celebration of football, is generating high expectations but also controversies, particularly regarding ticket prices.

During his speech, Infantino defended the high ticket prices, which have faced fierce criticism, especially from fans in Germany and England. “Tickets are not cheap. I have been criticized, I must say, because of the ticket prices, which are so expensive,” he stated, highlighting the enormous demand, with over 500 million applications recorded during the application window that closed on January 13. Infantino emphasized that the second cheapest category of tickets for the final will cost around $4,185 (approximately £3,100), while only a minimal fraction will be available in the most economical category, priced at $40.

The FIFA president did not hesitate to contrast the current situation with the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar, where, according to him, “when the ball started rolling and the magic began, we had virtually no incidents. For the first time in history, no British person was arrested during a World Cup. Can you imagine! That’s something really special.” Infantino believes that the upcoming tournament will also be memorable, stating that “people want occasions to meet, spend time together, and celebrate,” and that FIFA is committed to providing that.

However, the issue of ticket prices is not the only concern. Infantino also commented on reports that fans from certain countries could be denied visas to enter the United States, stating that this information was “false.” Despite reports of specific difficulties for fans from Haiti, Iran, and Senegal, the FIFA leader assured that “the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will welcome the world next summer.”

FIFA, recognizing the global appeal of the event, is confident that “every game will be sold out.” In an impressive comparison, Infantino stated that in 100 years of World Cup history, FIFA has sold around 50 million tickets in total, while for this tournament, in just four weeks, there have been requests equivalent to 1,000 years of World Cups at once, underscoring the confidence people have in the organization and the host countries.

As the tournament approaches, anticipation only grows, and Infantino’s statements reveal a burning desire to celebrate football in a grand and inclusive manner, despite any challenges that may arise along the way. The football world is focused on the upcoming edition of the World Cup, which promises to be a true celebration of humanity.