Argentinian fans staged a day of protest on Friday (December 16th) outside a hotel in Doha, Qatar, where members of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) are staying to help them find tickets to the final of the World Cup against France on Sunday. These supporters complain that they only have access to places on the black market and for an amount greater than 4,000 dollars (about 3,770 euros).
For the second consecutive day, dozens of Albiceleste fans gathered in front of the hotel where the AFA delegation stayed. The atmosphere was a little tense the day before between supporters and officials, some fans holding up signs on which was written “AFA, give us tickets”. Members of the Federation had finally agreed to meet a delegation of three supporters.
The Lusail stadium, where the final will be played, can accommodate just over 88,900 spectators. More than 30,000 Argentines are believed to be in Qatar, many of whom have taken out loans to attend this World Cup.
Most expensive tickets at $14,000
Tickets for the final worth $750 can be found for more than $4,000 on the black market. And the most expensive tickets, whose official price has been set at 5,850 dollars (5,520 euros), according to FIFA, are offered at more than 14,000 dollars (13,200 euros).
Roberto Bascur, 53, who has been in Qatar since the start of the World Cup, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that he bought tickets through unofficial channels for each Argentina match. “Anyone who sold tickets near the stadiums had at least fifteen to twenty in their possession”he assured.
Cintia Echanis, 51, believes that fans simply want to buy tickets at the official price. “We don’t want any problems, what we just want as Argentines is to have the chance to cheer on our team again”, did she say. For the time being, the Argentine Federation has made no statement on the subject.
On the side of France, at least 6,000 supporters are expected on Sunday at the Lusail stadium to support the Blues, according to the French Football Federation.