Travelling Australian fans are furious with a ticket pricing scheme that has forced them to pay 16 times the price of an admission to watch the Socceroos play Jordan in a World Cup Qualifier.
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Australians were given just one option to purchase tickets before the game for almost $100 only to discover local prices for admission cost as little as $6.
The prices were set by the Jordanian FA's official ticket agency with access provided via Football Federation of Australia's website for the Socceroos.
It was the only option for Australians to pre-purchase tickets for a match that will likely be a sell-out at the Amman International Stadium.
Jordanian FA sources informed Fairfax Media the extraordinary prices of $50 Jordanian Dinars (AUD $98) were set as they were "VIP Tickets", despite being the only option available to travelling fans.
However, tickets were sold outside of the venue on Tuesday afternoon for as little as $3 Jordanian Dinars (AUD $6) with vendors claiming they were also "VIP Tickets".
"We don't understand why the Jordan FA would want to charge the equivalent of $100 for Australian fans and $6 for locals," Australian supporter Pablo Bateson said.
"We don't mind premium to normal prices yet not to such a gross extent. Regardless we are enjoying our stay here in Amman and the hospitality offered by local people."
FFA declined to comment when contact by Fairfax Media as they have no influence on ticketing for away games.
Tickets picked up frm @JordanFA huge contrast equiv $100 for @Socceroos fans $6 fr locals #JORvAUS @myfootballtoday pic.twitter.com/hMt2lUbP8f— Pablo Bateson (@PabloFootball)
October 7, 2015
The ticket price furor occurs after Australian supporters were warned by hotel staff not to walk around Amman wearing colours of the national team.
In what promises to be a hostile environment on Thursday afternoon (Friday morning AEDT), supporters of the national team were told to conceal their show of support for Australia for their own safety.
UK-based Australia reporter John Davidson posted an image on Twitter of the notice displayed at a hotel in Amman, warning Australian supporters.
Interesting advice for #socceroos colours in Amman. Don't wear your colours to the game pic.twitter.com/ieUgV8VuBe— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson)
October 6, 2015
The Socceroos spoke of the intimidating venue of Amman where they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Jordan in their last World Cup qualifying campaign in September 2012.
The players arrived to their hotel on Sunday greeted by an armed vehicle and a high presence of Jordanian military. Despite the shock at that sight, Australia's players and staff spoke fondly of the reception from the Jordanian FA and officials.
