Sri Lanka federation raises ticket prices for Maldivian fans, sparking concern

Ticket prices for Maldivian fans attending the second match of the South Asian Super Cup against Sri Lanka have been significantly increased, causing frustration and concern among supporters.

While tickets for the first match were sold at LKR 1,000, prices for Maldivian fans attending tomorrow’s game have been raised to LKR 3,000, a threefold increase.

Despite the price hike, the Sri Lankan Football Federation (FFSL) has reduced ticket prices for local fans in an effort to increase attendance. Students from local schools and football academies are also being granted free entry, according to a statement by FFSL President Jaswar Umar.

The move has drawn criticism from Maldivian fans, many of whom felt unfairly targeted by the price increase.

“I bought my ticket for the first match at LKR 1,000. Now it's LKR 3,000, and only around 50 people showed up to buy tickets,” said one Maldivian fan. “I moved to Colombo with my family recently. My children wanted to watch the game, but with ticket prices this high, it’s not affordable for a family of five. It would cost us around USD 50 just for tickets,” another fan added.

Approximately 150 Maldivians attended the first match, which was held on Saturday. The Maldives defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in that game.

At the Football Association of Maldives' request, Sri Lankan FA officials are now selling tickets to Maldivian fans at the Maldivian Cultural Center in Sosun Villa.

The decision to increase prices specifically for Maldivians comes even as Sri Lanka’s head coach, Abdullah Al Muthairi, praised the large turnout and energy of Maldivian fans during the first match.

“Even when playing at home, the Maldivian fans outnumbered the locals,” said Muthairi, who has previously coached Nepal. “That needs to change in the second match, and lowering ticket prices for locals is a step in that direction.”

The FFSL’s contrasting approach, reducing prices for local fans while raising them for visiting Maldivians, has sparked a heated debate on social media and among the diaspora.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is looking to bounce back from their opening defeat. Coach Muthairi has promised a stronger performance in tomorrow’s rematch.