Fifa’s latest stunt is grotesque ...Middle East

We’re all a bit desensitised to it now, aren’t we?

Another day, another Fifa announcement that stretches the credibility of football’s governing body to the point where their authority now feels gossamer thin. Perhaps that is their new strategy – death by a thousand cuts. But instead of yawning at it we should continue yelling about how grotesque it’s all become.

Earlier this week it emerged that they would be charging selected fans £60 to be part of the World Cup final’s pre-match press conference. As veteran of hundreds of similar briefings that is some ruse given that pre-match managerial mutterings are almost reassuringly mundane.

Even that liberty can’t top their latest, breathless bulletin. Hot off the Fifa press comes news that 30 “winners rings” will be presented to the victorious team after Sunday’s final in a fairly transparent attempt to copy the Superbowl’s homework.

Sounds harmless enough, right? Perhaps if you’re feeling generous you might say that co-opting an American sporting tradition to mark a mostly successful tournament was even a nice touch.

But this is Gianni Infantino in his full-fat, 24-carat capitalism era, so you know there’s a sting in the tail.

And here it is: along with the players who actually earned the gold rings, another 1,996 will be made available to “fans”, complete with a customised band, unique number and the all-important certificate of authenticity. Don’t check the small print though. At the time of writing, Fifa hadn’t released details of exactly how us ordinary citizens get our hands on one of them or – more importantly – how much it might set you back if you want to be one of the lucky owners.

If you want clues, you don’t have to look far. The most expensive ticket for the final on the re-sale market is listed at over $1m and FIFA are taking a generous cut of that as part of their staggering ticketing policy. So expect this latest money-making grift to extend into five figures, all in the name of squeezing the last cent out of supporters already feeling the strain of this super-sized World Cup.

Is it sacrilege to say that this latest move is typical of a tournament where Fifa might have pushed it just a little bit too far?

Last time we left World Cup land, the conversation was about human rights and how Qatar might have changed the tournament forever. In the end it didn’t feel quite that terminal – the football survived and the Qataris seemed satisfied with basking in the reflective World Cup glory rather than bending it in their own image.

Read more

There’s something different about this edition. From the hydration breaks to the half-time show, the Americanisation of the World Cup has been total. It’s difficult to think of another tournament in my lifetime where the hosts have had such a big influence on what the rhythms of the tournament.

Does it ever go back from here? Or is this super-sized, super-long, super-commercial World Cup the new vision, a red, white and blue tournament transplanted around the Continents while the US waits 12 or 16 years for another chance to host it?

We will see. But given Fifa’s obsession with the Almighty Dollar, those championship rings are almost certain not to be the only legacy of the 2026 World Cup.

Hence then, the article about fifa s latest stunt is grotesque was published today ( Friday 17/07/2026 - 07:20 PM ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Fifa’s latest stunt is grotesque )

Also on site :

• Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper Forever’ Is a Wistful and Mature Ending for Charlie and Nick’s Love Story: Review
• Ann Widdecombe was my dad’s best friend and her death is like a sick dream, daughter of murdered MP says
• Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils New Adults-Only Beach Clubs and Upgraded Thermal Spas