FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged critics to “chill and relax” as he addressed a series of controversies surrounding the upcoming World Cup, including visa issues involving officials and concerns over ticket pricing.
Speaking during a 66-minute pre-tournament press conference, Infantino responded to questions about Somali referee Omar Artan being denied entry into the United States, saying FIFA does not control immigration decisions and is working through diplomatic channels to resolve challenges where possible.
He stressed that while the organization engages with authorities, it cannot override government security or border policies, adding that FIFA’s role is limited in such matters.
Infantino’s “chill and relax” remark drew attention as he defended FIFA against criticism, insisting that public outrage and pressure do not always help resolve complex administrative issues.
He also referenced broader logistical challenges ahead of the tournament, noting that large-scale global events often come with unavoidable complications.
On the issue of ticket pricing, Infantino defended FIFA’s dynamic pricing system, stating that prices reflect market realities in North America and help prevent inflated resale activity on unofficial platforms.
He argued that revenue generated from ticket sales is reinvested into football development worldwide and said FIFA aims to ensure funds support the sport rather than black market operators.
The FIFA president also addressed participation concerns involving Iran, confirming his satisfaction that the team would compete despite earlier geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over travel arrangements.
He expressed hope for a positive atmosphere during Iran’s matches and reiterated that organizing a global tournament of such scale inevitably comes with challenges.
Infantino maintained that FIFA continues to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the World Cup proceeds smoothly, while acknowledging that not all issues can be fully controlled or resolved.
