We’re less than a year from next summer’s FIFA World Cup from Russia, and while we still don’t know all 32 teams that will be participating, we’re starting to learn some details about ticketing for the massive tournament.
On Tuesday, Reuters reported that tickets for the World Cup would cost between $105 and $1,100 over three different pricing tiers, though the cheapest seats for the final would clock in at $450.
Three categories of tickets will be available, with Category 1 the most expensive, FIFA said.
The cheapest seats, Category 3, will cost from $105 for group stage matches, to $175 for the quarter-finals and $455 for the final. Category 1 seats will cost between $550 in the group stage and $1,100 for the final.
Also, like in Brazil back in 2014, Russian residents are able to get tickets at a drastically reduced price – just over $22 at the cheapest level.
FIFA said there would also be a Category 4 price band, available only to Russian residents at discounted prices varying between 1,280 roubles ($22.19) for group stage games to 7,040 roubles for the final. A similar policy was used in Brazil in 2014.
Fans attending the World Cup also just can’t roll in without preparation – they’re going to need a special form of identification issued by the Russian government.
FIFA confirmed that all supporters would need an official identity document known as a FAN ID, issued by the Russian authorities, to attend games.
The Fan ID project was rolled out during the Confederations Cup this past summer and was problematic for some spectators. Now, imagine that on a much larger scale. Good luck with that, but hey, as long as FIFA gets their money, I’m sure they really won’t give a shit what happens to the fans.
The first day of ticket sales is on Thursday, and the first phase of those sales will last for two months.
[Reuters]
