FIFA President Gianni Infantino brushed off criticism over World Cup visa issues and sky-high ticket prices in a defiant press conference ahead of the tournament.
Infantino defended the organization of the 48-team extravaganza, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, despite criticism over the costs of World Cup tickets, which in some cases have topped $30,000.
He pointed to a small number of $60 tickets made available in response to criticism, stating that the entry price is the lowest of any American sports in the play-off phases.
Infantino also downplayed the controversy surrounding Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the United States due to security concerns.
The FIFA leader portrayed Iran's participation in the World Cup as a victory for his organization, despite the country's military conflict with the US.
Infantino's close relationship with US President Trump has also come under scrutiny, but he maintained that Trump played a critical role in World Cup preparations.
