A supporters’ group has expressed that “alarm bells should be ringing” at FIFA, as England’s most dedicated fans have yet to fully utilize their ticket allocation for the upcoming World Cup final and semifinal next summer.
Approximately 90% of the tickets available to members of the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) for the final are priced at a minimum of $4,185 (£3,094), with the most expensive tickets exceeding £6,400.
An update sent to ESTC members on Tuesday noted that the number of tickets allocated for the final and semifinal currently surpasses the number of applications received, suggesting that all applicants will secure a ticket if the situation remains unchanged. The application window will close on January 13.
Initial complaints regarding FIFA’s ticket pricing for loyal supporters prompted the organization to introduce a limited allocation priced at $60 (£44), amounting to about 10% of the total tickets.
The Football Supporters’ Association’s Fans’ Embassy has stressed that the lack of demand for England’s allocation of 4,500 tickets for the final should raise significant concerns for FIFA.
“While it’s not surprising that the group matches are oversubscribed, the numbers for the semifinal and final are telling,” the group stated on the Free Lions X account. “These figures reflect a fan base that feels priced out, and many of the most devoted supporters of the international game feel thoroughly let down.”
“Alarm bells should sound whenever ticket allocations for loyal fans at a World Cup aren’t sold out. This is especially troubling given the low number of tickets available and England’s membership of over 30,000. This situation is unacceptable.”
The ESTC informed members on Tuesday that they have until 5 p.m. on Friday to apply for $60 tickets for any match; after that, they will miss the opportunity, regardless of their loyalty points earned by attending England matches.
All “top cappers” – members with 62 active caps – are assured a $60 ticket for all of England’s matches leading up to the final based on current applications.
Additionally, disabled England fans have been notified that they must pay for tickets for their carers or companions, a departure from previous practices in major tournaments where such tickets were provided free alongside accessible seating.
The ESTC is still awaiting final allocations and pricing for wheelchair or easy-access seating and is expected to offer more information “soon.”
The Disability and Fan Inclusion Network of Football Supporters Europe (FSE) reached out to FIFA earlier this month regarding concerns over the scarcity of accessible tickets in the lowest $60 category and the lack of complimentary companion tickets.
The network also pointed out that accessible tickets are being resold at exorbitant prices on the FIFA ticket resale platform without any checks to ensure they are being sold to disabled fans.
As of now, FSE has yet to receive a response to its letter. FIFA has been contacted for comment.
On Monday, FIFA announced that it has received over 150 million applications for World Cup tickets in the random selection process. FIFA president Gianni Infantino declared that the tournament would be the “greatest and most inclusive show on the planet.”