U-17 World Cup: Slow-paced ticket sales surprise organisers

KOCHI: The local organising committee for Fifa Under-17 World Cup expressed shock at sluggish ticket sales in Kochi even though the city will be hosting some of the high-profile teams in the competition. “We’re a little bit surprised,” said tournament director Javier Ceppi. “We thought we were going to sell out the whole stadium for all matches. Kolkata was sold out in like two hours (after ticket sales resumed) and we thought the same about Kochi,” he added.

Even though it is not alarming per se as the third phase of sales started only on July 21, the organisers said they had expected a quick response considering Brazil, Spain and Germany will be in action in the city this October. “Of course there is still more than two months until the third phase ends and about 20 per cent has been sold but when you see a fixture like Brazil versus Spain, which is the single biggest football match till date to happen in India, there must me more enthusiasm,” added Ceppi.

Eight World Cup matches will be played in Kochi, including a round-of-16 fixture and a quarterfinal. Teams such as Brazil, Spain, Korea DPR, Niger, Guinea and Germany will feature in the six group matches. Kochi's World Cup will kick off with the marquee tie involving Brazil and Spain, at 5pm on Saturday, October 7. The World Cup tickets are sold online http://tickets.india2017wc.com/.