U.S. President Donald Trump has admitted he would not pay the astronomical prices FIFA is demanding for tickets to this summer’s World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino appears to have lost support from the U.S. leader ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In an interview with the New York Post this week, Trump was asked about the soaring ticket prices just hours after Infantino dismissed growing criticism.
“I did not know that number,” Trump said when informed about the $1,000 entry-level price for the USMNT’s opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.
“I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”
He added: “I haven’t seen that, but I would have to take a look at it. If people from Queens and Brooklyn and all of the people that love Donald Trump can’t go, I would be disappointed. But at the same time, it’s an amazing success.
“I would like the people who voted for me to be able to attend.”
Infantino had earlier defended the cost of World Cup tickets, incorrectly claiming that it costs at least $300 to attend a college game in America and that professional sports events cannot be watched for less than that.
As of Thursday afternoon, tickets for the New York Yankees game against the Texas Rangers were available for as low as $8.
Speaking at a conference earlier this week, Infantino was also asked about a World Cup final ticket listed on a resale website for $2 million.
In response, he joked that he would “personally bring a hot dog and a Coke” to the buyer to ensure they had “a great experience” at the final at MetLife Stadium.
FIFA estimates there have been 500 million ticket requests for the tournament, although prices on resale platforms appear to be falling as organisers continue releasing “last-minute” tickets one month before kickoff.
