SINGAPORE: Following an outcry from passionate football fans regarding the steep ticket prices for the recent international friendlies, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is now taking decisive steps to address these concerns.

An FAS spokesperson confirmed that they are actively working to reduce the prices for Singapore's upcoming Mitsubishi Electric Cup matches, with an announcement expected soon. This tournament, formerly known as the AFF Championship, will take place from December 8 to January 5. The Lions—under coach Tsutomu Ogura—will kick off their campaign at the National Stadium against Cambodia on December 11, followed by a much-anticipated match against Thailand on December 17.

"The balance between ticket pricing and match costs is crucial for us to maintain fiscal responsibility. However, we understand that our fans' support is invaluable. Their presence at the matches means the world to us," the spokesperson stated. FAS recognizes that the community's love for football must be reflected in fair ticket pricing.

WHAT FANS ARE SAYING

Reportedly, ticket prices for friendlies held on November 14 and 18 ranged from S$12 (approximately US$8.90) to S$40 before fees. Hospitality tickets reached as high as S$150. Fans expressed frustration at the similarity in pricing to that of the World Cup qualifier against South Korea earlier this year, which had an attendance of nearly 50,000.

Many fans, disheartened by the costs, chose to stay home rather than watch the matches live. Local supporter Mr. Nizam remarked, “Prices were very steep, especially for friendlies. I’d have attended if it were cheaper!" Another fan, Mr. Hilmi Samsol, revealed he spent S$88 for two tickets but opted out of the following game due to high prices, stating, "It's just a friendly."

The poor attendance figures further underline the discontent; the friendly match against Myanmar drew just over 6,000 fans, while the game against Chinese Taipei attracted around 6,764 spectators. Young fan Ian Chan criticized the high prices, calling the S$44 ticket for a match against a lower-ranked team “diabolical.”

In a viral TikTok post that garnered more than 2,000 likes, user Justaway Garnett emphasized that fan engagement is suffering because the ticket pricing disconnects management from its loyal supporters.

However, some fans maintain that higher prices at the National Stadium are justified due to improved facilities. Mr. Ang Shao Heng, a 25-year-old fan, suggested that while some prices may be reasonable, hopes are that the FAS will consider lowering ticket prices for future matches, especially for fans who might be deterred by the current costs.

The FAS’s swift action in response to fan feedback reflects a growing awareness of the need to nurture a football-loving community by making games more accessible economically. As fans eagerly await the revised pricing and upcoming fixtures, the event is a stark reminder of the power sports fans hold in shaping the landscape of their beloved sport.

Stay tuned as the situation unfolds—will the FAS fulfill its promise to reduce ticket prices and win back the support of Singapore's ardent football fans?