Infantino says $60 seats are the cheapest in US sports while a Somali referee is barred from entering America

The countdown to the biggest FIFA World Cup ever—co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—has been dominated by controversy over high ticket prices and tough US visa rules. With the tournament set to kick off on Thursday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa, fans and officials are already asking hard questions about access and fairness.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the media in Mexico City on Wednesday, pushing back against heavy criticism of ticket costs and defending the event’s organisation. Tickets for some matches have reportedly crossed $30,000, but Infantino insisted that a limited number of $60 tickets were released to address concerns. “Our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the play-off phases,” Infantino said. He also claimed that the average ticket price—below $500—is cheaper than other American sporting events.

But it’s not just about money. Visa issues have already made headlines after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States due to what American authorities described as security concerns. Artan has now been dropped from officiating duties. Infantino called it “unfortunate,” adding, “We don’t control everything… Sometimes it’s good to chill, relax, we work on everything, we try to solve everything.”

For African fans and especially those hoping to see teams like the Super Eagles make an impact on North American soil, these issues hit close to home. Questions remain about whether all travelling supporters and team officials will get fair access amid stricter US immigration policies. The World Cup is projected to rake in a record-breaking $13 billion in revenue—raising expectations that organisers should do more for inclusivity.

Neither the Super Eagles coaching staff nor the Nigerian Football Federation had issued a statement at press time regarding ticketing or visa challenges. FIFA President Gianni Infantino maintained that challenges are part of any major event but stressed: “Sometimes to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution.”

The opening match between Mexico and South Africa gets underway Thursday at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City. The tournament will run until July 19 with all eyes on whether off-field controversies overshadow action on the pitch.

Source: https://punchng.com/fifa-defends-ticket-prices-visa-handling-ahead-of-world-cup-start/