Slot Set for Salah Talks Amidst World Cup Ticket Price Backlash
Liverpool is reportedly set to hold showdown talks with star forward Mohamed Salah in the coming days, as speculation surrounding his future at the club intensifies. The Egyptian winger's relationship with manager Arne Slot has come under scrutiny recently, with reports suggesting a potential fallout after Salah was benched for multiple games.
Amidst the uncertainty, various reports have emerged, including claims that Salah's representatives have explored options with Serie A clubs, although these claims are met with surprise due to Salah's high wage demands. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabian sources have dismissed rumors of their clubs pursuing Salah, labeling such reports as "promotional news" orchestrated by the player's agent to inflate his market value. These sources emphasize that Saudi clubs have not engaged in any discussions with Salah or Liverpool, given his existing contract until mid-2027.
Despite the swirling rumors, Liverpool remains committed to Salah's contract and has not actively sought his departure. Some reports suggest that Salah's exclusion from recent squads was a measure to allow him time away from the situation, rather than a disciplinary action. It's anticipated that Salah will join the Egyptian national team early in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Meanwhile, FIFA is facing mounting criticism over the pricing of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, with fan organizations decrying the costs as a "monumental betrayal" of supporters. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has led the charge, condemning FIFA's pricing strategy as "extortionate" and demanding an immediate halt to ticket sales. The organization argues that FIFA has abandoned its commitment to making the World Cup accessible to ordinary fans, implementing a pricing structure that excludes many loyal supporters.
The controversy centers on the "supporters value category," traditionally reserved for dedicated fans through national associations. The cheapest tickets in this tier for the 2026 edition are priced at $4,185, a staggering seven-fold increase compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Adding to the outrage is FIFA's introduction of dynamic pricing, where match ticket prices fluctuate based on perceived attractiveness, a system criticized for its lack of transparency.
Critics argue that FIFA's pursuit of profit maximization undermines the spirit of the World Cup as a global cultural event. The high ticket prices, coupled with reports of lotteries being hijacked by bots and the introduction of crypto-based "Right to Buy Tokens," have fueled concerns that the tournament is becoming increasingly exclusive and inaccessible to the average fan. FIFA insists that its pricing reflects the unique, unregulated markets of the U.S. and Canada, where resale restrictions are limited. The organization also profits from resale fees, taking 15% from both the buyer and the seller. However, FSE insists that this system "has no place in football". FIFA has backed down on dynamic pricing for the next batch of tickets.
