Paris Olympics Chief Takes a Strong Stand Over Ticket Allegations With a Fierce Statement

The 2024 Paris Olympics promises every pomp, splendor, and excitement that one can expect from an event of such stature. The Olympic committee has been fanning the hype and anticipation among the fans. However, one issue has fed the embers of discontent among the sports fans and turned it into a full-blown rage.

The Paris Olympic hosting committee was basking in the positive responses from the fans after announcing their collaboration with the Kinomap app. However, the tide of public opinion soon turned against them when the tormenting issue of the ticket price hike came to the forefront. Now, the hullabaloo has forced the top-most authority to address the mob. Can he assuage their anger?

Paris Olympic Chief issues a public statement

Current chief Tony Estanguet was dealt a low blow on Monday, when his predecessor, Lord Coe, warned of an empty spectator’s area at the Stade de France. A majority of fans share Coe’s concerns because the price of a single First-Class ticket to the finals has skyrocketed to €990. The lowest-priced ticket now available is still €85, which is higher than most individuals would want to plop down for a single sporting event. Former Olympic chief, Sebastian Coe was the successful director of the London 2012 organizing committee and had every right to be opinionated. But Estanguet complained that his judgment was misplaced. In an interview with the Guardian, he said, “A third of our budget is made up of ticket sales…That’s why there are also some very expensive tickets”.

Tony Estanguet downplayed Lord Coe’s suggestions and asserted a full house in attendance. He said, “We’re delighted with the approach we’ve taken to make the event accessible to as many people as possible, with tickets starting at €24 [1 million seats] and half the tickets at €50 or less”. However, not many expected a tussle of words between the current chief and a former chief over this matter.

Unexpected clash between titans

Lord Coe is World Athletics’ presiding head, and his concerns stemmed from a genuine affection for sports. He did not want the image of his beloved fraternity to be sullied because of this matter. However, his comments did not sit well with Toney Estanguet, who vented his frustration to the media. He said, “For athletics, the finals start at €85, but there are also more expensive tickets at €980… in relation to previous editions in London or even Tokyo, we can see that we are in roughly the same price range”.

Read More: Is Olympics 2024 Pushing Paris to Announce Unreasonable Increase in Prices? – Discussed

He further compared the Paris ticket prices to the London ticket prices and found them justified, considering the inflation in the past few years. Will his confidence about a full house for the Paris Olympics be proven right? Comment with your thoughts below.

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