Donald Trump Gianni Infantino (foto: Getty Images)
Donald Trump has criticized the high cost of World Cup tickets after FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the costs ahead of the tournament in the United States.
Donald Trump has publicly criticized the soaring cost of World Cup tickets, creating unexpected tension between the White House and FIFA leadership ahead of next month’s tournament.
The comments came after FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing structure by arguing that the United States represents the world’s most developed entertainment market.
World football officials have worked hard to maintain a strong relationship with Trump and his administration in the build-up to the tournament, especially with political sensitivities surrounding participating nations such as Iran.
Trump openly questioned the ticket costs during a telephone interview with the New York Post.
"I didn't know that number," Trump said when informed about the prices supporters could face.
"I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn't pay for it either, to be honest with you."
The former US president also suggested ordinary supporters were being pushed away from the event.
"If people from Queens and Brooklyn and all of the people who love Donald Trump can't go, I would be disappointed."
"But, you know, at the same time, it's an amazing success. I would like to be able to have the people that voted for me to be able to go."
Current estimates suggest many England supporters would need to spend more than £5,000 to attend every match if the national team reaches the final.
Infantino, however, strongly defended FIFA’s pricing strategy during an appearance in Los Angeles.
"The US is the most developed entertainment market in the world, so we have to apply market rates," Infantino explained.
He also referenced reports of resale tickets being listed at extreme prices.
"If somebody buys a ticket for the Final at $2m, I would personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience."
The FIFA president argued that lower official prices would only strengthen ticket reselling activity.
"In the US, it is permitted to resell tickets, so if you were to sell tickets at a price which is too low, these tickets would be resold at a much higher price."
Infantino also pointed out that some tickets remain available at lower prices.
"We have 25 per cent actually of the group stage match tickets which can be bought for less than $300."
Still, the debate around affordability continues to grow as supporters react to the costs of attending football’s biggest tournament in the United States.