SAFF ticket prices spark debate among fans

The decision to set the minimum ticket price at Tk 1,000 for the upcoming SAFF Championship in Dhaka has sparked criticism from football fans and former players, who believe the cost is too high for ordinary supporters.

The regional tournament will begin on 5 November,  with fans required to pay at least Tk 1,000 to watch Hamza Choudhury and Jamal Bhuyan in action from the general gallery.

Former Bangladesh captain Zahid Hasan Ameli, who played in several SAFF Championships, described the price as unrealistic given the country’s socio-economic conditions. He suggested Tk 500 to Tk 600 would be more reasonable.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) competition committee chairman Golam Gaus said the federation had no role in setting the prices, as the decision was made by SAFF.

SAFF president Kazi Salahuddin explained that rising organisational costs, including stadium management, VAR and team and officials’ travel, had influenced the pricing.

General gallery tickets for Bangladesh’s recent Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore, India and Hong Kong were priced at Tk 400.

Several supporters’ groups have demanded a reduction, with some threatening protest programmes and a boycott if their calls go unheeded.