As Seville prepares for the biggest influx of people the Spanish city has ever experienced, Rangers fans have been urged not the head to city unless they have tickets for next week’s Europa League final.
With over 100,000 Rangers fans estimated to be heading for Seville – and in all likelihood the number is probably even higher – UEFA pleaded with ticketless supporters not to descend on the city.
A similar number of Eintracht Frankfurt fans are expected to head to Seville for the game in the 43,000-capacity Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán with many having no idea where, or if, they will get to see the showpiece final
“UEFA actively enforces its ticketing terms and conditions, including by monitoring the internet, and will take action (including cancelling tickets) where unauthorised advertisements are identified,” UEFA said.
“Fans should also be aware that third parties offering for sale tickets on the internet are often not in possession of the tickets which they claim to have for sale, despite demanding exorbitant prices for such tickets.
“In addition, UEFA is conscious that the demand for tickets to the finals may result in counterfeit tickets entering the secondary market, as has occurred at previous finals. Fans are advised that any such counterfeit tickets will not gain entry to the stadiums.
“Whilst UEFA understands that there will be fans who have been unsuccessful in their application for tickets, fans are strongly advised not to travel to the finals without tickets or purchase tickets on the secondary market.
“In order to maintain the safety and security of fans, ticket holders should be aware that checks will be carried out at the finals and the local authorities in the cities will take action against the unauthorised resale of tickets.”
UEFA can’t just bury their heads in the sand ahead of Europa League final clash
Simply put, UEFA can’t just cater to those putting money in their pocket next week.
With as many as 250,000 fans heading to the city, UEFA need to make sure the huge crowds who don’t have tickets for the ground are looked after.
This is a huge moment for many of the supporters – as well as all the players – and there needs to be something put in place.
Having two additional grounds in the city with capacities in excess of the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán could offer some sort of solution for UEFA and Seville, but they need to get plans moving quickly.