The Korea Football Association will conduct ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian final qualifying match against Palestine, scheduled to take place at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8:00 PM on the 5th of next month, on the 21st and 22nd. [사진=대한축구협회 티켓 예매 홈페이지]
The KFA has announced that tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian final qualifier match against Palestine will be available for sale to PlayKFA VIP members on the 21st and to general members on the 22nd.
Previously, the price of red seats was 35,000 won for matches against Thailand in March and China in June, but has now been raised to 50,000 won for the match against Palestine, leading to controversy. Some football fans speculate that “the increase in red seat prices is to cover the penalty resulting from former coach Klinsmann’s contract.” The controversy has intensified as the KFA has not provided a clear explanation.
In response to the criticism, the KFA stated, “The World Cup final qualifiers are not domestic matches; they are organized by the AFC. The price increase was implemented in accordance with AFC guidelines.”
According to the KFA, the price of red seats has been adjusted to 50,000 won, aligning with the price of away cheering seats (2nd class B) due to AFC regulations.
However, an investigation by Aju Economy revealed that there are no corresponding regulations in the AFC.
Upon reviewing the ‘AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Marketing & Media Regulations’ documented in the COMPETITION REGULATIONS available on the AFC website, it was found that there is no rule necessitating that away ticket prices must match those of home team cheering ticket prices.
Section 3 detailing the ticket regulations outlines the obligations of the host organization but does not specify that the pricing for home and away seats must be identical.
No provisions exist in the regulations concerning ticket sales.
[사진=AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Marketing & Media Regulations]
Furthermore, according to AFC regulations, the sections for home team supporters and away supporters were classified as ‘Not for commercial affiliates’. Even if the home team supporters’ section and the away section fell under Zone B based on AFC ticket zone principles, the supporters’ section cannot be subjected to commercial regulations due to the clause ‘except behind the goals or in core fan areas’.
Moreover, the KFA noted, “Ticket prices are increasing as the overall value of the national team continues to rise,” adding this context alongside the AFC regulations that influenced the increase in red seat prices.
Reporter Information Na Seon-hye hisunny20@ajunews.com
©’5-language global economic newspaper’ Aju Economy. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited.
The Upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Korea vs. Palestine Ticket Sales and Controversy Explained
The Korea Football Association (KFA) will hold ticket sales for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian final qualifier match against Palestine, taking place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8:00 PM on the 5th of next month. Ticket sales are scheduled for PlayKFA VIP members on the 21st and for general members on the 22nd.
Ticket Pricing Changes: Red Seats Controversy
Recently, the KFA announced an increase in the price of red seats—designated for home team supporters—from 35,000 won to 50,000 won. This change has sparked an intense debate among soccer fans and the community, especially since similar pricing was applied in earlier matches against Thailand and China.
Critics argue that this increase is unjustified, with some speculating it may be a means to recoup funds spent on the contract of former coach Jurgen Klinsmann. The dissatisfaction and scrutiny towards the KFA have been mounting as they have not provided a transparent response to these allegations.
KFA’s Justification: AFC Guidelines or Policy Misinterpretation?
In defense of the ticket price increase, the KFA claims that the World Cup final qualifiers are formally recognized as AFC-hosted matches, and thus, any pricing adjustments are made in accordance with supposed AFC guidelines.
However, a recent investigation by Aju Economy revealed that there are no explicit AFC regulations that require the home team seats and away cheering seat prices to align. Specifically, the “AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Marketing & Media Regulations” document does not include any clauses mandating equal pricing for these seating categories.
[Image: AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Marketing & Media Regulations]
Details from the AFC Regulations
The AFF regulations state that sections for home and away fans are “Not for commercial affiliates,” implying that while the home team’s section may fall into a certain pricing zone, it doesn’t necessarily adhere to commercial pricing strategies displayed for standard ticket sales. This nuance raises questions regarding the KFA’s interpretation of the regulations.
The Rationale Behind Price Increase
Despite the backlash, KFA representatives have insisted that ticket prices are designed to reflect the rising value of the national soccer team. By aligning ticket prices with the AFC guidelines, the KFA hopes to position the national team prominently on the global stage.
Understanding the Ticket Purchasing Process
Sales Schedule
- Date for PlayKFA VIP Members: August 21
- Date for General Members: August 22
Price Categories
| Seat Type | Previous Price (won) | New Price (won) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Seats (Home Supporters) | 35,000 | 50,000 |
| Away Supporters (2nd Class B) | 35,000 | 50,000 |
Impact on Fans and Community Reaction
Fans have expressed mixed reactions to the price adjustments, with many feeling the increase is excessive, particularly as it does not correlate with increased matchday experiences. Engagement on social media platforms illustrates a community divided; some fans are ready to support the national team regardless, while others are contemplating boycotting the match in protest.
Community Feedback
- Supportive Fan: “I’ll pay anything to watch our team compete on such a big stage!”
- Discontented Fan: “This is just unfair. It feels like the KFA is using us to cover their mismanagement.”
Practical Tips for Ticket Buyers
1. **Check Eligibility Early**: Ensure you have a PlayKFA membership before the sales start; VIP members can buy tickets a day earlier, providing an advantage in availability.
2. **Know Your Prices**: Familiarize yourself with the ticket categories and respective prices to avoid confusion at the time of purchase.
3. **Stay Updated**: Keep an eye on the official KFA website and social media for any last-minute announcements regarding the match or ticket sales.
4. **Plan for Website Traffic**: Be prepared for potential high traffic on ticket sales days, as fans rush to secure their spots.
Final Thoughts on Upcoming Matches
As the match date approaches, the discourse between fans, the KFA, and the AFC highlights the complexities of sports management in the world of soccer. The ticket pricing situation not only reflects on the immediate economic decisions made by the KFA but might set precedents for future matches. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and clear communication from local football associations with their supporters.
Email: hisunny20@ajunews.com
© Aju Economy. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited.
