SINGAPORE (VnExpress): Tickets for the first leg of the 2026 Asean Hyundai Cup semifinal between Singapore and Thailand sold out within 90 minutes, with some resale listings reportedly reaching 30 times the original price.
The match will be played at Jalan Besar Stadium, which has a capacity of about 6,000, on Saturday night. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said around 4,000 tickets were put on sale, including 250 reserved for Thai supporters. The tickets sold out about 90 minutes after sales opened on Aug 12.
Official ticket prices were S$35 and S$49. However, ESPN Singapore reported that resale prices had risen to as much as 20 times face value. Channel News Asia reported that some premium tickets were being offered for SG$1,500 each, about 30 times the original price.
The rapid sellout triggered criticism of the online ticketing system and ticket scalpers, while also highlighting renewed interest in the Singapore national team.
Jalan Besar Stadium was packed when Singapore drew 1-1 with Indonesia in their final group-stage match to reach the semi-finals. The team hopes for similar support in the first leg before traveling to Thailand for the return match.
At a press conference on Aug. 14, Singapore coach Gavin Lee said he preferred to focus on the team rather than the ticketing controversy.
"The sky-high demand for tickets creates a sense of excitement," Gavin said. "We want to translate that into a fantastic performance worthy of such support. The team remains very focused and composed."
Singapore's 55,000-seat National Stadium was unavailable after hosting the National Day Parade on Aug. 9. Refurbishing its pitch to meet competition standards is expected to take about 20 days.
In response to the resale activity, the FAS condemned the sale of tickets above face value and urged fans not to facilitate scalping.
"Ticket holders are reminded that tickets may not be transferred or resold without the organizer's written permission," the FAS said. "Tickets found to be in violation may be cancelled, and holders denied entry to the stadium."
Supporter group Singa Brigade urged the public to report ticket scalpers. Singapore defender Irfan Fandi also expressed sympathy for fans who were unable to secure tickets and used the hashtag "Say no to scalpers" on X.
The FAS has arranged live screenings of the match at more than 10 locations across Singapore. Prakash Kumar Hetamsaria, a member of the Community Sports Council, said the screenings would provide an opportunity for supporters to watch the match together and build community ties.
Singapore has lost its last 10 meetings with Thailand. Its most recent victory came in the first leg of the 2012 AFF Cup final, when it won 3-1 at home before losing 0-1 in the return leg but claiming the title on aggregate.
Gavin said the historical record offered context but would not determine the outcome.
"We want to gain an advantage before heading to Thailand and move closer to overcoming the challenge," the 35-year-old coach said. "Our strength lies in our collective unity, and the fans play a vital role." -- VnExpress (Vietnam News/ANN)
