Europa League Final Ticket Distribution Sparks Controversy: Fans Demand More Allocations
Fans of European football have expressed their disappointment and frustration over UEFA’s decision to only allocate 50% of tickets for the Europa League final in Dublin to supporters of the two teams involved. The match, set to take place in the Irish capital on May 22, could potentially be an all-English affair, with Liverpool and West Ham still in the competition.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a group representing fans across the continent, has called for a reconsideration of the ticket allocation for the Europa League final. While the FSE acknowledged that the allocation for the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium this summer is the highest in a decade at 58%, they argue that the Europa League final deserves a similar treatment.
In a statement released by the group, they expressed their concern about the 50% allocation for the Europa League final and demanded that UEFA and local organizers increase the number of tickets available to fans. The FSE believes that at least 66% of tickets should be reserved for supporters of the two finalist clubs, giving them priority over general sale options.
The FSE also pointed out that a higher allocation of tickets for general sale could lead to an increase in black market ticket activity, taking advantage of fans’ loyalty. They argue that this exploitation can be avoided by providing a larger share of tickets to fans of the competing teams.
UEFA responded to the criticism, stating that after discussions with local authorities and considering logistical operations, it was decided that each finalist club would receive a maximum of 12,000 tickets for the final. This decision was based on considerations such as designated access routes for supporters and the capacity of the Aviva Stadium, which stands at 48,000.
The tickets allocated to fans of the finalists will be priced at 40 euros (approximately £34) each, while general sale tickets will start at 65 euros (£55.70) each. In comparison, the two teams reaching the Champions League final at Wembley will receive 25,000 tickets each, priced at £60, making them the cheapest available.
Theodore Theodoridis, UEFA’s general secretary, had previously acknowledged that hosting the Europa League final in Dublin could pose challenges. He revealed that Croke Park, with a capacity of 82,000, had been reserved as a potential fan zone. However, with the possibility of an all-Premier League encounter in the final, logistical operations and accommodating the fans could prove to be extremely challenging.
As the competition progresses and the final approaches, fans eagerly await the outcome and hope for a fairer distribution of tickets. If Liverpool were to reach the final, it would also mark Jurgen Klopp’s last match as the club’s manager, adding further excitement and anticipation to the event. Ultimately, fans are calling for UEFA and local organizers to reconsider their ticket allocation and prioritize the supporters who have been faithfully following their teams throughout the Europa League journey.