FAS says safeguards in place after ‘misuse of away tickets’ for Hong Kong-Singapore match

SINGAPORE – The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said it has “multiple safeguards” in place following recent reports on the resale and misuse of tickets for the Asian Cup qualifier between Hong Kong and Singapore on Nov 18.

Tickets for the winners-take-all match at the Kai Tak Stadium were reportedly sold out in Hong Kong within 80 minutes on Nov 7.

Hong Kong fans who could not get tickets are feeling aggrieved after reports of scalpers purchasing home section tickets – priced between HK$80 (S$13) and HK$240 – with at least one reselling them at nearly 17 times the price online.

This prompted some Hong Kong fans to register through the FAS to secure seats in the away fans’ area at the 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium, reported the South China Morning Post. It is understood that around 2,000 tickets were set aside for Lions supporters.

Saying it was “the only way to get a ticket”, these Hong Kong supporters added that they were successful in doing so through the pre-sale access meant for Singapore fans.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, an FAS spokesperson said it is aware of recent reports on the “resale and misuse of away tickets”.

The spokesperson added: “Tickets allocated to Singapore supporters have been made available exclusively through a dedicated FAS access page managed by our ticketing partner, Ticketek.

“Multiple safeguards were implemented to ensure that these tickets are reserved for Singapore fans only.”

This includes showing proof of the redemption receipt as well as a valid Singapore photo ID or Singapore passport that matches the name of the purchaser during ticket collection.

The spokesperson added that there will be an “on-site fan declaration” that ticket purchasers are required to sign, confirming they will comply with away section regulations, including supporting Singapore only and refraining from wearing home team apparel or displaying home team paraphernalia.

The FAS also had other safeguards such as a ticketing platform warning, with “clear messaging” on the ticketing site and purchase confirmation explicitly stating that tickets sold via the dedicated link are strictly for Singapore supporters in the away section.

Spectators showing visible support for the home team may also be refused entry or ejected by local authorities, with tickets rendered null and void.

The message was also included on FAS’ social media platforms as well as in e-mail communications with ticket purchasers.

There was also a refund process for home fans who have “mistakenly” purchased away tickets, with the FAS providing a full refund if requests were submitted by Nov 11.

The spokesperson added: “These steps were put in place in close coordination with our ticketing partners, Ticketek, the Hong Kong Football Association and local authorities to uphold stadium safety regulations.

“Staff have also been briefed to be vigilant on matchday and will work closely with authorities to ensure a safe and positive matchday experience for all fans at Kai Tak Stadium.”

With two qualifying matches left, Singapore, who took part in the 1984 Asian Cup as hosts, are in contention to qualify for the continental showpiece on merit for the first time.

World No. 148 Hong Kong and Singapore (155th), who played to a 0-0 draw at the National Stadium in March, each have eight points and a goal difference of +2 in Group C, with the Lions trailing Hong Kong only by goals scored (5-6).

Bangladesh (183rd) and India (136th), who are third and fourth respectively with two points each, are out of the running.

With competition regulations stating that the head-to-head record is the first tiebreak criterion for teams level on points, the winners on Nov 18 will top Group C, joining five other group winners and 18 other sides who have qualified for the tournament proper in Saudi Arabia in 2027.