England fans have been warned against using ticket touts to score last-minute tickets for the FIFA World Cup clash with Senegal.
England will face Senegal at the 68,895-capacity Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, after progressing from the group stages with two wins and a draw.
According to an article from PA news agency, tickets for the round of 16 knockout games have been on sale through FIFA’s official site for up to 1,000 Qatari Riyal (£223/$275/€261). While the tickets are listed as ‘currently unavailable’, fans have been able to snap up tickets through FIFA’s official resale process.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) advised fans to use official routes to protect themselves against losing out, and not being able to attend the game.
Thomas Concannon, from the FSA England fans’ embassy in Doha, told PA: “The advice is be vigilant. We are aware that touts are out there. I wouldn’t say it’s in great numbers because it’s a little bit more difficult now with mobile ticketing but be vigilant and try and use official routes if possible.
“There’s the FIFA ticketing resale site, which gets busy but hopefully as we get into the latter stages of the tournament there will be less people looking for tickets as a lot more people will be going home now.”
He added: “I think there’s always dangers if you’re not going through official channels. There’s always that risk and I think anyone that does go through any secondary sources that are available knows the risks they are taking by doing so.
“So, it’s trying to keep it as official as you possibly can because then at least you guarantee your access to the stadium.”
The England Supporters’ Travel Club received 2,273 applications for tickets, out of an allocation of 3,009 ahead of the tournament according to the Football Association (FA).
A FIFA spokesperson told PA: “FIFA reminds all fans that Fifa.com/tickets is the only official and legitimate website on which to buy Fifa World Cup 2022 tickets.
“Tickets purchased via unauthorised distribution channels may be cancelled once identified. FIFA reserves the right to refuse entry to the stadium to any holder of such tickets. During the FIFA World Cup 2022, FIFA and local authorities are conducting admission checks.”