Ticketing bungles plague FIFA Women’s World Cup matches in Australia

Soccer fans who rushed to secure tickets for the FIFA Women’s World Cup feel duped over what they deem to be confusing information that has left them stuck in the nosebleeds. 

The tournament is the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to feature more than one host nation, and is also the first senior World Cup for either sex to be held across multiple confederations.

Fans have hit out after a variety of ticketing bungles left some of the Matildas’ most dedicated supporters were pushed into the nosebleeds after unprecedented demand saw the national side’s Sydney-based group game moved from CommBank Stadium in Parramatta to the 82,500 capacity Accor Stadium. 

Fans complained that FIFA procedures around the ticket allocation have left fans who got in early with presale tickets, in some cases at a greater expense, were pushed further away from the pitch.

Dozens of fans complained that a lack of transparency about how seats were allocated meant those who rushed to get presale seats at a higher cost are now stuck with obstructed views, away from the action. 

Matildas star Sam Kerr will be a major drawcard at the FIFA Women’s World Cup but many fans are struggling to get tickets

Early bird fans paid a premium for good seats but were shunted away from the pitch when there was a venue change

Some fans claimed they wouldn’t have bought tickets had they known that their views could have gotten worse.

Among those affected is Marcia Humble, of Launceston, who wanted to make the World Cup trip she organised for her kids as memorable as possible. 

It was particularly important for the single mother, whose soccer-obsessed daughter, Katie Campbell, 15, has been dealing with a worsening heart condition.

‘Superfan’ Kris Goman told The Sydney Morning Herald that she bought tickets within 10 minutes of the presale opening, and had been ‘allocated seats in the sky’.

Sydney lawyer Alison Thompson criticised the language used by the game’s governing body in describing category 1 tickets, which cost $60 for an adult attending a group stage fixture involving Australia or New Zealand. 

‘We paid for Category 1 tickets, apparently the ‘highest priced and located in prime areas within the stadium’, but our seats are on the sixth level.’

‘From the very beginning of ticket sales back in October 2022, FIFA has clearly communicated through stadium maps where fans will be allocated seats based on the ticket category purchased,’ a FIFA spokesperson said. 

Hopes are high for the Matildas after their recent win over England, with Charlotte Grant pictured celebrating with teammates

Thousands of football fans are scrambling to get tickets for the showpiece event but are being met with issues

The ticketing portal itself was reportedly plagued with issues, with some fans complaining about the lack of clarity in messaging for patrons. 

Sydney football fan Roisin Murphy complained of the difficulties she had with the ticketing website. ‘When I tried to buy tickets during the pre-sale I found the website difficult to navigate and ended up missing out on tickets. 

And when the second round of tickets went on sale, I was working and missed out again,’ she said.

The tournament will take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 10 to August 20, 2023, with 32 teams from around the world competing for the title. 

The event is expected to attract a global audience of over one billion people, with an estimated 1.5 million people attending the games across the two countries.