FIFA to Rent Kennedy Center for $7.4 Million Amid Controversy

The Kennedy Center has announced that the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) will pay $7.4 million to rent its space for an event scheduled from November 24 to December 12, 2023. This arrangement includes a donation of $2.4 million to the Kennedy Center and additional sponsorship opportunities valued at $5 million. The announcement follows a recent investigation led by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, which raised concerns over FIFA’s previous payment practices.

In a statement to the Associated Press, Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, confirmed the financial details, marking the first time these figures have been made public. The investigation had indicated that FIFA had not met its previous financial obligations to the venue, resulting in potential losses of $5,038,444. This amount includes a $1.9 million rescheduling fee for the National Symphony Orchestra and $250,000 for other rescheduled events.

In response to the investigation, Richard Grenell, executive director of the Kennedy Center, denied the allegations regarding FIFA’s payment history. He stated that FIFA is indeed paying millions and highlighted that the center has successfully raised $117 million through fundraising efforts. In an interview with Fox News, Grenell attributed the center’s financial successes to increased ticket sales and effective programming.

Grenell further suggested that the Kennedy Center owes its viability to former President Donald Trump, proposing the idea of erecting a monument to him inside the facility. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and expressed willingness to provide financial statements upon request.

As the Kennedy Center prepares for FIFA’s upcoming use of its space, the situation remains under scrutiny. The financial details surrounding the rental agreement and the center’s broader financial health will continue to evolve. OperaWire has requested access to financial statements and will provide updates once they are available.