FIFA 'close stadium sections' after slashing ticket prices for Club World Cup - as governing body offers special deal for fans to watch Lionel Messi

6 days ago 6

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FIFA have reportedly closed sections of stadiums for some Club World Cup matches due to a lack of ticket sales, after the governing body reduced prices for the competition.

The revamped and expanded tournament will kick off in the United States on Sunday June 15, with Al-Ahly taking on Inter Miami in the tournament's opening match.

There have been concerns that the first game, which features Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, will be met by thousands of empty seats.

Thousands of tickets have been left unsold for the game, which will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium - a ground that have a capacity of 65,326.

Earlier this month it was reported that sales for the match had been as low as 20,000, but FIFA denied the estimate.

Tickets for the tournament have been sold under a dynamic pricing model, which sees prices determined by demand, and lowering costs indicate FIFA is struggling to sell them.

The Hard Rock Stadium will host the opening match between Inter Miami and Egypt's Al Ahly

Numerous seats remain unsold for the revamped and expanded FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA have reportedly offered students from a college a special deal as they aim to fill venues

The Athletic reported that the cheapest seat was priced at $349 (£257) following the draw in December, but tickets have been listed at $67 (£50) on FIFA's official ticketing partner Ticketmaster.

The outlet reported that FIFA have also offered a deal to Miami Dade College in their bid to fill the stadium for the tournament's opening match.

The governing body had launched a partnership with the college last year, offering the chance for students to intern at their Miami office.

FIFA have now reportedly offered a promotion which will provide 'up to four complimentary tickets to the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup with the purchase of one ticket at the reduced student price of $20'.

The offer effectively sees some tickets to watch Messi and Inter Miami on Sunday be priced at $4 (£2.90).

The Hard Rock Stadium is set to host eight matches of the expanded competition.

The Associated Press reported that the upper levels for certain matches at Seattle's Lumen Field and Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field were no longer available. Links to a smattering of resale tickets in those sections did not work.

A person with knowledge of the situation said some sections of Lumen Field in Seattle had been closed, but did not offer details. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak on the record.

The upper tiers of Lincoln Financial Field are currently closed for Flamengo's match with Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia

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In Philadelphia, some ticketholders received messages that said they were moved.

'As we continue preparations to deliver a world-class event, we are making a few enhancements inside the stadium to optimise operations and ensure the best possible matchday experience for fans, players and the global broadcast audience,' the message said. 

'As a result of these stadium optimisations, some seats, including yours, will be relocated. We want to ensure you that your new seat will be in the same or better value zone than your original one.'

Thousands of tickets are currently available for the match between Brazilian side Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia.

Numerous tickets are available at $33 (£24) for the match on Monday.

FIFA offered a general statement on ticketing for the tournament, stating that the revamped competition has 'global anticipation and reach,'. 

'We anticipate great attendances and electric atmospheres at its inaugural edition, with excitement growing with every round of matches and the tournament ultimately standing as the undisputed pinnacle of club world football,' a statement read.

'The appetite speaks for itself: fans from over 130 countries have already purchased tickets.

Tickets to see the newly crowned European champions PSG, however, have been in demand

The least expensive ticket to watch PSG's match with Dortmund has been priced at £71

'The top 10 markets are led by the United States, followed by Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, France, Japan, Switzerland, Germany and Portugal - a clear sign of global anticipation and reach.' 

Some matches at the tournament have attracted interest from fans, including newly crowned Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain's opener against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

The least expensive seats at the Rose Bowl are currently priced at $97 (£71). 

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