As enthralling as this World Cup has been from a football perspective, the over-commercialisation of the tournament has left a sour taste — and FIFA president Gianni Infantino isn’t done yet.
Infantino has come under serious fire in recent weeks. His apparent disregard for political neutrality has been a huge issue for many, but also how much focus his organisation has put on generating revenue from this World Cup.
And the latest example sums it up. FIFA have decided to charge entry to the World Cup final press conference, where Infantino will be joined by Rio Ferdinand. Entry to the event will set you back $80, but that’s not all.
Rio Ferdinand, Gianni Infantino, and a costly World Cup press conference
If fans wish to attend the biggest press conference of the tournament so far, they will have to fork out $80 for the pleasure.
Fifa’s commercial partner, Fanatics — the international sports merchandise and retail company — is charging supporters for entry to its fan festival at New York City’s Javits Center, where the media appearances will take place.
The event, featuring players from Spain and the winner of the England vs Argentina semi-final, will be hosted by Infantino and Ferdinand.
And the best part — supporters who want a photograph with the former Manchester United defender will be required to pay a staggering $170.
You might remember that Ferdinand was one of the only voices in the media to come out in defence of Infantino over the Folarin Balogun scandal. They’re clearly quite close.
As reported in The Times, Fanatics released the following statement: “Fans will have a rare chance to watch both finalists appear on stage just days before the World Cup final, hearing directly from players and team representatives as they prepare for the biggest event in world sport.
“Special guests: Gianni Infantino, with additional names to be announced soon.”
It goes without saying that this is not standard practice at a World Cup. Once again, FIFA are finding ways to make money from every aspect of the tournament.
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This is set to be the most lucrative World Cup in FIFA’s history, and while that may sound like something to be celebrated, it’s important to remember where that extra money comes from.
The short answer: fans’ pockets. Whether that be from maximising ticket prices, from selling our attention during every break in play, or from little stunts like this one — FIFA’s wild success comes at a cost.
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The next edition of the tournament will take place in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The optimist would say it’s impossible for prices to be this bad again in those more affordable countries.
After that, though, it’s Saudi Arabia. It could be back to business as usual then, though by that time, Infantino will have been replaced. Surely the next FIFA chief can’t be this greedy as well?
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