By Samindra Kunti
February 10 – Incensed by FIFA’s last-minute shift of the Club World Cup third place play-off to Tangier from Rabat, Flamengo fans want to sue the world federation because of the extra costs they now face.
On Thursday, FIFA confirmed that the bronze medal match between Brazil’s Flamengo and Egypt’s Al Ahly would be moved, saying local organisers wanted to protect the pitch in Rabat for the final between Real Madrid and Al Hilal, but the decision prompted fury from Flamengo fans, who travelled from around the world to support their club.
A group of 200 supporters represented by lawyer Alexandre Franco wants to bring legal proceedings against FIFA.
“The tickets were acquired here in Brazil, and the entire operation is carried out by FIFA,” said Franco.
“Tickets previewed the final in the same stadium, a little after the third-place decision. It is an attraction for those who are going because there is always the chance that the team will not reach the final. When you take a trip like this, there are all the logistics. Different country, plane ticket, transfer. The ticket promised both games in the same stadium.”
“Just like me, there are many people wasting money and time with FIFA’s lack of organization,” Flamengo fan Roberto Moreira told Insideworldfootball.
“The delay in announcing the host cities where the Club World Cup games would be played… and in the week of the games, officially changing the game for the 3rd place multiple times was absurd. Whoever bought the ticket to see 2 games, will only be able to see one. I had a hotel booked in the city where the game would be held, and I will have to pay up. The return flight from Casablanca, I might have to cancel…”
Most Flamengo fans had purchased tickets for Saturday’s original double header in Rabat, expecting Flamengo to feature in the final, but Saudi giants and Asian champions Al Hilal shocked the Rio club 3-2 in the semi-finals. Flamengo supporters had already been dissatisfied with FIFA over the late host announcement as well as late host city announcement and a lack of communication over ticketing and logistics.
“We get the feeling of one last opportunity for FIFA to raise more money with new ticket sales and local commerce – to make more money with new lodgings and a greater flow of people in the cities involved,” said Flamengo supporter Bruno Ramos.
FIFA however has the right to move a match during a competition, according to its own rules.
In Thursday’s statement, FIFA added: “Special travel arrangements will be organised by ONCF, Morocco’s national railway operator, enabling those who want to watch the third-place match in Tangier to be able to do so.
“Ticketholders will be able to exchange their current tickets for new ones for the third-place match, or have the option to apply for a refund of existing tickets.”
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