Saudi Arabia offer free World Cup tickets amid low attendance fears
The Saudi Arabian Football Association will provide free World Cup tickets to its supporters in the United States amid growing concerns over half-empty stadiums and exorbitant prices.
World football’s governing body has reportedly sanctioned the last-minute strategy as sky-high costs continue to deter fans from attending the upcoming tournament.
Thousands of seats remain available for Saudi Arabia’s group stage fixtures, where some tickets were initially priced at over £2,200.
The wider tournament has been plagued by similar pricing issues, with the cheapest resale tickets for England’s opening match against Croatia listed at £628.
Embassy confirms free ticket distribution
Supporters who have travelled to North America to watch Georgios Donis’ side will now completely bypass these significant costs.
The Saudi embassy in the US confirmed the initiative to back the national team as they prepare for their opening Group H match against Uruguay in Miami.
The Middle Eastern nation will subsequently face Spain and Cape Verde in their remaining group stage games.
A remarkably similar strategy was deployed during last summer’s Club World Cup in the United States to artificially boost crowd numbers.
“On this occasion, Saudi Arabia is offering free tickets for Saudi National Team fans present in the US.”
An official embassy statement added that they wish the squad luck as they represent the Kingdom with the full force of a nation behind them.
Governing body faces legal action
Beyond the immediate attendance fears, tournament organisers are currently facing legal challenges in the host nation.
The attorney generals for New York and New Jersey have launched coordinated action following claims that supporters were heavily misled about ticketing categories.
“FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices – all at the expense of consumers.”
Jennifer Davenport, the New Jersey attorney general, added that hosting the prestigious event is not an invitation to exploit residents and visitors.