FIFA Explains Empty Seats at South Korea vs. Czech Republic Match

FIFA has addressed the numerous empty seats observed at the Guadalajara stadium during the World Cup Group A match between South Korea and the Czech Republic. While a significant number of seats appeared vacant, the global football governing body asserts that 44,985 fans attended the game in a stadium with a capacity of 45,664, representing a 98.5% attendance rate.

FIFA explained that the apparent empty spaces were due to many fans opting to spend time in the stadium's various hospitality areas and concourses rather than remaining in their assigned seats throughout the entire match.

“Official attendance figures reflect the number of scanned tickets and spectators present within the stadium perimeter, not visual estimations of seat occupancy at any given moment during the match,” FIFA clarified in a statement.

According to official data, 29 matches were completely sold out before the tournament began, while tickets remained available for another 75 fixtures, as reported by DPA, citing BTA.

The high ticket prices for the World Cup across the USA, Canada, and Mexico have sparked widespread debate. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing, stating that some World Cup tickets were offered at a lower cost than those for a collegiate championship game.