My Take | Hong Kong’s football fans deserve much better than the latest ticketing debacle
Backlash over ticket sales for the coming clash between the city’s team and Singapore shone a spotlight on the city’s long-standing scalping problem
The rivalry between Hong Kong and Singapore over everything, it seems, from attracting talent, tourists and even Taylor Swift, will hit new heights this week.
Disputes about which is best, for food, finance or culture, are not easy to resolve. But when it comes to football, there is always a result. Teams representing the two cities face off at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday.
Only one of the two sides can qualify for the prestigious Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia in 2027. The eagerly awaited contest will prove decisive if either team emerges victorious. No self-respecting Hong Kong football fan would want to miss the match. No wonder seats at the 50,000-capacity stadium sold out in just 77 minutes.
But many supporters were left fuming after being left without a ticket, despite determined attempts to buy them online. To make matters worse, coveted seats swiftly appeared on resale platforms at much higher prices.
The backlash from fans, who branded the ticket sale process unfair and chaotic, has shone the spotlight on the city’s long-standing problem with scalping. Action needs to be taken.
Hong Kong’s footballers have not always enjoyed sell-out crowds cheering them on. It is a new, and very welcome, experience. In the past, at the old 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium, the attendance was usually below 10,000. The average turnout at premier league matches this season is only 826.