VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino At the beginning of his speech at the FIFA General Assembly on Thursday, he affirmed that Iran will participate in the World Cup and that the team will play in the United States despite the conflict between the two countries.
“The reason is very simple, dear ones, because we have to unite. We have to unite the people. It’s my responsibility. It’s our responsibility,” Infantino said. “Football unites the world. FIFA unites the world. You unite the world. We unite the world.”
In a sign of how difficult the situation is for Iran’s participation in the World Cup, representatives of the Iranian Football Federation were denied entry to Canada this week.
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand Said it was her “understanding” Iranian officials announced the rejection following a report by Iranian news agency Tasnim, which is associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other executives were reportedly refused entry at Toronto’s airport.
An Asian Football Confederation meeting held in Vancouver earlier this week did not address Iran’s participation in the World Cup or whether the team’s games should be moved outside the United States.
At the roll call of the FIFA General Assembly, where all countries are listed, Iran’s absence was announced. There was a small group of protesters holding Iranian flags outside the event at the Vancouver Convention Center.
Infantino remains committed to participating in Iran’s World Cup and matches in the United States. At one point, Iran asked to move the match to Mexico, but that request was denied.
The World Cup begins on June 11th, with the finals scheduled for July 19th between the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Canada prepares to welcome the world
In contrast to concerns about immigration crackdowns in the United States ahead of the World Cup, Canadian officials speaking at the FIFA General Assembly emphasized the country’s diversity.
“Canada has always been more than just a country on a map. It’s a place where cultures, languages, ideas and dreams meet. People from all corners of the world come here with their own stories, traditions, talents and hopes. These stories never go away. They become part of who we are,” said Peter Orgruso, president of the Canadian Soccer Association.
Concerns about ticket prices
In his speech to parliament, Infantino briefly mentioned complaints about ticket prices for World Cup matches, but his comments were directed at the heads of member associations, not at fans.
“We have sold 100% of the inventory we put on the market, which is more or less 90% of the world’s inventory to date. And of course we continue to put tickets on the market all the time,” Infantino said. “Of course, there are expensive tickets, and there are affordable tickets. And the important thing is that all the revenue that we generate from around the world goes back to you, goes back to the whole world, funds football in all countries.”
cost issue
Earlier this week, FIFA announced it would pay an additional $100 million to countries participating in the World Cup to cover higher-than-expected costs.
The FIFA Executive Board agreed on Tuesday to increase the base payout to each federation by $2 million, bringing it to a minimum of $12.5 million. The governing body expects the tournament to generate at least $11 billion in revenue.
Member organizations had appealed to soccer’s governing body to increase the prize money due to cost concerns. FIFA announced this year’s winner in December. world cup He will receive $50 million out of a total prize pool of $655 million.
Argentina gained 2022 Qatar World Cup winner prize money of $42 millionThis is an increase from the $38 million awarded to France after winning the 2018 tournament in Russia.
But it’s less than half Chelsea won the club World Cup with little fanfare. last year. The tournament has a total prize pool of $1 billion, with Chelsea’s top prize likely to be between $128 million and $154 million.
Rising white waves
A small rally of about 100 Vancouver Whitecaps supporters was held outside the FIFA Congress to protest the possible relocation of the Major League Soccer team.
MLS said it would consider all options for the Whitecaps’ future, including moving outside the city. The club was put up for sale by the ownership group 16 months ago.
Limited revenue options and short-term lease at venue BC Place add further uncertainty regarding the team. 7 World Cup games Canada will play against Qatar and Switzerland in June and July.
The 76th FIFA Congress attracted approximately 1,600 top soccer officials from around the world to the city. The event was expected to generate approximately $4.9 million in local economic impact.
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