Sports minister urges solution as confusion continues

Confusion continues over the ticketing process for Northern Ireland's upcoming Euro 2016 games, with the sports minister urging that every effort be made to accommodate fans.
IFAIFA
IFA

Roughly 32 per cent of the tickets for the three matches were allocated specifically to registered fans of the competing countries.

Many supporters had complained that the points-based list, giving priority to fans who were regular match-goers, appeared to have failed when tickets were allocated to Northern Ireland fans on Tuesday.

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Caral Ni Chuilin said: “Unfortunately it has transpired that, for whatever reason, the ranking points system has not worked as envisaged, meaning many of the most loyal supporters, who have attended home and away games for many years, have not been able to secure tickets.”

Sports Minister Caral Ni ChuilinSports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin
Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin

The list had been drawn up by the Irish Football Association (IFA) and passed to European body UEFA to adminster.

She added: “I urge the IFA and UEFA to re-examine the situation to identify any possible additional steps to accommodate local fans and find a resolution that is fair and equitable.”

There have also been suggestions of an apparent breakdown in communications within UEFA.

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Although UEFA stated that the priority system was applied, some fans had complained on Tuesday that when they contacted the body its staff knew nothing of any priority system.

Sports Minister Caral Ni ChuilinSports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin
Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin

Yesterday, after the release of 1,000-or-so extra tickets for the opening game against Poland on June 12 following uproar from fans, supporter Jonny Watterson said: “Was on the phone to UEFA again to ask about these new tickets being released. The lady again knew nothing about it and after consulting who I think was her superior, was still none the wiser and gave me an e-mail address to contact.”

Asked what explanation there could be for this, an IFA spokesman said: “None, as it contradicts UEFA’s own statement [on Tuesday] announcing that they are releasing more tickets. In that same statement they said they applied our priority system.”

The IFA has said fans aiming to get some of the extra 1,000-or-so tickets will be contacted by UEFA this month.

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Besides the country-specific allocation to fans, other tickets had been put on general sale – some as long ago as last summer.

Although tickets are no longer officially available, UEFA have said some will go up for re-sale from March.