Uli Hoeness, the president of Bayern Munich, offers a critical perspective on the FIFA World Cup, highlighting the exorbitant ticket prices as a major concern. Hoeness argues that football should remain accessible to ordinary working people, and the unregulated secondary ticket market exacerbates the issue. He expresses his hope for a different pricing policy in the 2030 World Cup, suggesting that the current prices are prohibitively high for many fans. Hoeness also discusses the potential impact on German fans, suggesting that the high costs might deter some from traveling to the tournament. He mentions monitoring the situation and staying in contact with relevant authorities to gather information and address any potential issues. Hoeness acknowledges the high demand from Germany and expresses gratitude for the fans' willingness to travel despite the costs. He also addresses the criticism of FIFA's focus on revenue, arguing that the money benefits football and supports development programs in member associations. Hoeness provides an optimistic outlook on the number of German fans expected to attend, citing positive signals from FIFA. He reassures fans that there are no travel warnings for specific groups and that the DFB is committed to a liberal rule of law and parliamentary democracy. Hoeness also discusses the potential impact of the halftime show, including a concert featuring Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, and suggests that fans can choose to attend or take a break during that time. He addresses the entry restrictions for fans from certain countries, acknowledging the sovereignty of the United States in setting its own entry rules. Hoeness highlights the ongoing negotiations between FIFA and the U.S. authorities to ensure an open tournament. Regarding Iran's demands for visa issuance and security guarantees, Hoeness expresses hope for a positive outcome and emphasizes the importance of dialogue between FIFA and the Iranian football federation. He discusses FIFA's contingency plan if Iran were to withdraw and the potential involvement of the FIFA Council in such a scenario. Hoeness also shares concerns about human rights violations during the World Cup and calls for peacefulness. He supports the pledge made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to exclude ICE officers from World Cup stadiums. Hoeness addresses the controversy surrounding Trump's peace prize, acknowledging the historical context and the role of the United States in the ceasefire between Israelis and Palestinians. He reflects on Infantino's attempt to reconcile the Israeli and Palestinian federations, praising his commitment to the issue. Hoeness clarifies the nature of meetings with political leaders, emphasizing the importance of professional cooperation and avoiding day-to-day political commentary. He discusses the potential attendance of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the DFB's commitment to liberal values and democratic principles.
