RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Empty seats in a packed stadium. Prices out of reach on the black market.
Moroccan soccer fans in particular are unhappy with the African Cup of Nations as many are unable to get tickets to their team’s matches.
Morocco and neighboring Algeria were the only teams to sell out tickets for the group stage, but there were empty seats again on Friday. Host country vs. Mali at the 70,000-seater Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
“I tried to log into the (ticketing) site early, but unfortunately so many people were logging in at the same time that I couldn’t get a spot. It was completely full,” said Moroccan supporter Amin Mazraoui, who was waiting outside the stadium before kick-off.
Another fan named Hisham had the same experience and tried the official ticket portal, but every match was sold out almost as soon as he started looking. He was planning to watch the game at home.
The official attendance for Friday’s game was announced at 63,844, which exceeded the number of spectators at the game venue. Opening game and ceremony At the same stadium.
Touts have been accused of hoarding tickets to the most popular matches, sensing an opportunity to sell them for as much as 10 times the price they paid. Tickets priced at 50 euros ($59) are being sold for 500 euros ($590), according to reports.
“There are people who are connecting on 10, maybe 15 computers at the same time and buying a lot of seats. Because of them, we couldn’t get seats,” Mazraoui told The Associated Press.
However, all supporters (and journalists) must provide identification via a local app called Yalla to access the stadium, and the additional measures appear to be making it even more difficult for touts to transfer ticket ownership.
One fan, who gave his name only as Khalid, said he was lucky, paying 100 Moroccan dirhams (about $11) for a ticket to the match. Compared to neighboring Europe, the starting price is much lower, but it cannot be compared. Asking price for 2026 World Cup matches.
On Wednesday, just 16,115 people attended the match between Algeria and Sudan at the 22,000-capacity Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, which had long been sold to capacity.
Some fans waited outside after hearing reports that admission would be free, and rushed to the gate to get in when the game started. At other stadiums, security allows free entry after kick-off to increase attendance.
“They are not going to open the gates to Morocco,” Mazraoui said.
The number of spectators for the match between Congo and Benin at Rabat’s 18,000-capacity Stade El Valido has been revised from 6,000 to 13,000.
Other games didn’t make much of a difference, and heavy rain also deterred local fans from attending.
The 68,000-capacity Grand Stade de Tangier in Tangier felt nearly empty on Tuesday. Senegal vs Botswana match Even though 18,500 people attended.
The organizer, the Confederation of African Football, did not respond to requests for comment.
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Associated Press on Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
