“Without Trump, the World Cup wouldn’t have been possible here”: FIFA president sings the president’s praises

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The 32nd edition of the World Cup is just around the corner. Host countries Mexico, Canada, and the United States will welcome 48 men’s national teams to this World Cup. However, the tense global geopolitical situation means that not every country is being welcomed at the final tournament with open arms. And Trump’s immigration policies and wars certainly play a role in that.

The tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11. Host country Mexico will play the opening match against South Africa. This week, many teams traveled to their “base camp” in one of the three host countries. But that long journey certainly didn’t always go smoothly. For example, Iraq’s captain was questioned for no less than 7 hours, Iraq’s team photographer was denied entry to the U.S., a top Somali referee was sent back home, and Iranian fans were unable to obtain tickets for the matches. All this turmoil occurred even before the first ball was kicked. FIFA President Gianni Infantino (56) therefore had no choice but to address the press at length, just before the opening whistle.

“Over the past few weeks, three themes have come up repeatedly: Iran, visas, and ticket prices. These are issues that have little to do with football, but which we are confronted with in our host countries and around the world,” Infantino stated.

What about Iran?

The FIFA boss told the assembled press how he had personally visited the Iranian national team when they played a friendly match in Turkey in March. “I promised them then that, if necessary, I would personally pick up the players by bus in Tehran. Their response? ‘We’ll take the bus ourselves if we have to. We’ve qualified for the World Cup and we want to play.’”

“There are challenges, and it’s not easy,” Infantino emphasizes. “But I don’t know who else, given the circumstances, could have made sure Iran is here now. I’m very happy with how we handled it as a team, so that they’re here now. I hope there’s a positive atmosphere surrounding their matches, because it is and always will be football.”

Are tickets too expensive?

The president of FIFA also addressed the exorbitant ticket prices. “We sold more than six million tickets. Yes, there are still tickets available, but those are reserved for fans of teams that qualify for the next rounds. The demand for tickets is unprecedented—ten times higher than ever before.”

“Our base price of $60 is the lowest price for any sport in America during the playoffs. Our average price of around $500 is also lower than the U.S. average,” the president says, attempting to brush aside any criticism.

Comments on Somali referee

Infantino was forced to address the issue of the Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States and had to return home. Reportedly due to “ties to suspected members of terrorist organizations.”

Infantino: “Would you find it normal if FIFA dictated to your government who they should let into their country and who they shouldn’t? What happened with the referee from Somalia is unfortunate. We’re trying and engaging in dialogue. We’re looking for solutions. But sometimes it’s good to chill and relax. Starting to shout and rant often has the opposite effect.”

Moreover, the Somali referee is certainly not the only one who was denied entry to the U.S. After all, quite a few visa applications were rejected. “It’s also not easy to grant accreditations to 300,000 foreigners for a tournament. Unfortunately, the world is very aggressive, and security comes first. So you have to respect certain decisions. We don’t have control over everything, because we aren’t the rulers of the world.”

Incidentally, Infantino has no regrets about the United States hosting the World Cup. “I’m used to dealing with problems because I’ve been doing this for thirty years. It’s normal for an event of this size to have problems. In the U.S., but also in Canada and Mexico.”

Praise for Trump

Infantino also praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s (79) involvement in the World Cup. “Without him, organizing the tournament in the U.S. would have been impossible. I have a good relationship with Trump. We’re talking about the world’s greatest power. He understands better than anyone what organizing the World Cup entails.”

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