The Athletic FC Podcast Are FIFA exploiting fans with World Cup ticket prices?
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Dec 13, 2025 The podcast delves into the bizarre spectacle of the World Cup draw, where political figures like Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump loom large. It highlights the eye-popping ticket prices making this the most expensive World Cup ever. Discussions include the controversial dynamics of FIFA's pre-sale ticketing and claims of exploitation. Supporters groups express outrage over high costs, while the hosts interrogate FIFA’s revenue distribution and whether it truly serves the fans. Expect absurdities and serious implications for global football!
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Draw Turned Political Spectacle
- The World Cup draw became a major political spectacle with Trump and Gianni Infantino centre stage.
- Adam Crafton and Matt Slater argue FIFA used the event to chase viewers and political currency, not just football coverage.
Miami Event Surprise Peace Prize
- Adam attended the Miami event where FIFA suddenly announced a Peace Prize and Lionel Messi and Gianni Infantino appeared.
- He describes the prize as unexpected and obviously tailored to raise Trump’s profile with Infantino publicly endorsing him.
Ethics Concerns Over FIFA's Neutrality
- Fair Square and others accused FIFA of breaching political neutrality by giving the Peace Prize to Trump.
- The episode suggests Infantino's praise and the prize risk hypocrisy and ethics complaints within FIFA.