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The launch of ticket sales for the decisive second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final between RS Berkane and AS FAR has been overshadowed by growing controversy, as supporters of the Rabat-based side voice strong objections over limited ticket allocation.
The Berkane club had earlier announced that ticket sales would officially begin on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., with multiple points of sale made available, including the Municipal Stadium, the Prince Moulay El Hassan indoor hall, and the club’s academy. Prices were set between 30 and 70 MAD depending on seating categories, while away fans were directed to an online platform with designated collection points in Rabat.
However, what was meant to mark the start of an eagerly anticipated football event eventually turned into a source of frustration for the visiting supporters.
Immediate tickets sold out
The “Jomhour Al Assima” association, representing fans of AS FAR, expressed deep dissatisfaction with how the ticketing process was handled. In a statement, the group claimed that tickets went on sale at 9:00 a.m. but were completely sold out within a short time, raising serious concerns about the transparency and credibility of the operation.
According to the association, the speed at which tickets disappeared “raises more than one question” regarding how they were distributed, especially given what they described as a very limited number of actual buyers.
Calls for transparency and fair allocation
The supporters’ group demanded urgent clarification from the organizers, particularly concerning the total number of tickets released and the exact quota allocated to AS FAR fans. They stressed that supporters have the right to fair access and full transparency in such high-stakes matches.
In their official statement, the association strongly condemned “unfair treatment” that undermines the principle of equal opportunity among fans. They further revealed that, after failing to secure tickets, they contacted several supporters, many of whom were equally unable to purchase any despite the rapid sell-out.
The group also pointed to what they claim is an imbalance in distribution, alleging that RS Berkane benefited from a share exceeding 5%, a detail that has intensified doubts over the criteria used in the allocation process and the nature of any agreement between the two clubs.
High stakes fuel tensions
This controversy arrives in the context of overwhelming demand for the match, which will determine one of the finalists in Africa’s premier club competition. With both teams aiming to secure a place in the final, the stakes are exceptionally high, both on and off the pitch.
While RS Berkane has called on its supporters to show up in large numbers and continue their unwavering backing, the growing protests from AS FAR fans highlight the mounting tension surrounding what should have been a celebration of African football at its finest.
As pressure builds, attention now turns to whether organizers and relevant authorities, including the Confederation of African Football, will step in to address the concerns and restore confidence in the ticketing process.
