Controversy is raised over the price of tickets to the stadium, which soared amid the imminent match against Palestine in Hong Myung-bo’s first game.
South Korea will play the first Group B match of the third Asian qualifying round for the ‘2026 FIFA North-China World Cup’ against Palestine at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 5th of next month.
Last month, the Korea Football Association appointed Hong, who was leading Ulsan HD in the K-League 1, as the official head coach after investing half a year.
The match against Palestine, the first game of concern and concern for the Korea Football Association and coach Hong, will be held.
On top of that, criticism has been raised among fans over the sudden surge in ticket prices.
Compared to the home game against China in the 6th Group C match of the second qualifying round of the same tournament in June, home cheering seats (red seats) rose 43% from 35,000 won to 50,000 won.
Regarding the increase in the price of red seats, the Korea Football Association explained, “It has been adjusted to 50,000 won, which is the same as the price of away seats, in accordance with the guidelines for the prohibition of discrimination of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) home and away cheering seats.”
On top of that, seats B, A, and S in the second class also jumped 10,000 won each from 4, 56, and 60,000 won to 5, 6, and 70,000 won.
Some fans even argue that a boycott is necessary due to the combination of dissatisfaction with the Korea Football Association and a sudden price increase.
In fact, there is a different atmosphere from the sold-out procession that continued in the recent national team match.
As a result of checking the ‘PlayKFA’ website, which allows you to book tickets for the national team game, more than 5,000 seats are empty in the second and third seats.
Regarding the increase in ticket prices, an official from the Korea Football Association said in a phone call with Newsis on the 23rd, “There is also a part that the AFC recommended that there should be no discrimination between the two teams. In the last match against China, we also questioned why the price of away seats is different.” 메이저놀이터
“(Increasing ticket prices) is also due to factors such as rising prices and increased expenses. There has been no increase at all in the past two years, so we decided to adjust the price. I met with the Red Devils (national team supporters) and told them that the price would increase,” he added.
As the Korea Football Association’s increase in ticket prices failed to gain understanding and sympathy from soccer fans, there was also a possibility that the sell-out procession would be cut off.
Meanwhile, the newly launched Hong Myung-bo is armed with the determination to make it to the finals for the 11th consecutive time by advancing to the 2026 North-China World Cup.
South Korea will play the second match against Oman at the Sultan Qaboos Stadium in Muscat, Oman, on the 10th after the first match against the Palestinians on the 5th.