Away section only for Lions fans, says FAS amid Hong Kong scramble for sold-out Asian Cup qualifier tickets

SINGAPORE: The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said on Thursday (Nov 13) that it is aware of reports of Hong Kong fans buying tickets meant for Lions supporters ahead of next week's winner-takes-all Asian Cup qualifier.

Singapore takes on Hong Kong away on Nov 18, with the winner qualifying for the 2027 finals in Saudi Arabia, and tickets allocated for the home supporters sold out in under 80 minutes after going on sale last Friday.

According to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report on Wednesday, some Hong Kong fans told the newspaper they had resorted to registering through FAS to secure seats in the away fans’ section as it "was the only way to get a ticket". Tickets for Singapore supporters are priced at S$40 (US$31), but SCMP reported scalpers were reselling tickets at up to 17 times their face value.

Responding to CNA's queries, the association noted that there had been reports on “resale and misuse” of away section tickets for the Asian Cup qualifier.

"Tickets allocated to Singapore supporters have been made available exclusively through a dedicated FAS access page managed by our ticketing partners, Ticketek," said the association.

It added that there are multiple safeguards to ensure that these tickets are reserved for Singapore fans only, such as warning buyers that those showing visible support for the home team may be refused entry or be ejected by local authorities, with their tickets rendered null and void.

FAS also included a disclaimer in ticket redemption instructions sent out on Thursday that, as part of the redemption process, all buyers will be required to present a valid Singapore photo identification or passport, and acknowledge that the away section is only for Singapore supporters.

From Sunday, buyers will also be required to sign a declaration confirming they will comply with away section regulations, including supporting Singapore only and refraining from wearing home team apparel or displaying home team paraphernalia, when redeeming their tickets in Hong Kong.

FAS said it offered a full refund to Hong Kong fans who mistakenly bought tickets via the away section link, provided requests were submitted by 2pm on Tuesday.

“This measure saw some refunds that also allowed us to reallocate tickets to Singapore supporters,” it added.

These measures were implemented in coordination with Ticketek, the Hong Kong Football Association and local authorities to ensure compliance with Kai Tak 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, FAS noted.

If Singapore wins, it will be the first time the Lions qualify for the Asian Cup on merit, while Hong Kong played in the 2023 edition after a 55-year absence.

Singapore's only appearance at the tournament was in 1984, having automatically qualified as the host nation.

Singapore were previously held to a goal-less stalemate against Hong Kong at home and beat Bangladesh 2-1 in Dhaka.

The Lions drew 1-1 against India at home in October but defeated the same opponents 2-1 in Goa.

With four games played, Hong Kong top the group with eight points, followed by Singapore, also with eight. Both sides have the same goal difference, but Hong Kong has scored one goal more.

Bangladesh and India each have two points.

Under the tournament’s regulations, head-to-head results take precedence over goal difference when teams are level on points. This means that the winner of the Singapore-Hong Kong clash will qualify for the Asian Cup.

Should the clash finish in a draw, qualification could come down to results on the final matchday where Singapore host Bangladesh at home and Hong Kong travel to play India away.

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