Hong Kong football fans are crying foul after tickets for their upcoming Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore vanished within minutes, only to appear online at prices up to 17 times higher.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, tickets went on sale last Friday at 3pm through Ticketflap and were declared sold out by 4.17pm.
The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA), celebrated the speedy sell-out, but soon after, fans discovered tickets being resold on Carousell for as much as HK$4,000 (S$700).
The original price for three seats was only HK$240 (S$42).
Sounds familiar?
Some frustrated Hongkongers even went through the Football Association of Singapore’s website to buy seats in the away fans’ area, calling it their only chance to watch the match live, reported SCMP.
The HKFA has yet to respond, but angry fans have been filling social media with complaints.
“Even Blackpink couldn’t sell out that fast,” one supporter joked, referring to the K-pop group’s concert at the same stadium earlier this year.
Many blamed the chaos on the HKFA’s decision to scrap real-name registration, which was used successfully for the Bangladesh match in October to prevent scalpers.
“Last time, it was smooth. This time, I clicked nonstop and still could not get in,” said one fan.
Another added, “Buying tickets for this match is harder than flying to Bangladesh.”
The announcement for the ticket sale came less than a day before the ticketing date, giving fans little time to prepare.
Within hours of the sell-out, entire seat blocks including premium sections and fan zones were already listed on resale platforms.
The national team’s growing popularity has driven huge demand since the move to the new Kai Tak Stadium earlier this year.
Forty-two thousand fans turned up for the match against India, while the game against Bangladesh drew forty-five thousand attendees.
This marked a major jump compared to the small crowds that once gathered at the old Hong Kong Stadium.
Tickets for the Singapore clash were priced between HK$80 and HK$200, making it one of the more affordable ways to experience the new stadium.
But for many, it has turned into a story about how quickly football passion can turn into frustration.
As one fan summed it up, “Football’s for the fans, unless you’re trying to buy a ticket.”
MAIN PHOTO: CHINA DAILY