The FA to review ticket sales process after Australia fans buy tickets designated for England supporters

The Football Association (FA) is set to review its ticket sales process after reports of Australia fans buying up seats intended for England supporters for the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final.

According to reports, roughly 1,970 tickets were released exclusively for England fans for yesterday’s (Wednesday’s) semi-final against hosts Australia. 

England went on to win 3-1 and secure a place in the final against Spain on Sunday.

Fans were able to purchase tickets via FIFA using the special access code ‘Lioness’. However, this was then reportedly shared between Australian fans to snap up further seats at the 82,500-capacity Accor Stadium (Stadium Australia) in Sydney. 

In a statement to the i newspaper, a spokesperson for the FA said: “We worked with FIFA to secure an additional allocation of tickets for England’s World Cup semi-final against Australia. 

“The details of how to purchase these tickets were communicated directly to our fans on our England Football channel, and we are disappointed to see reports that a limited number of these tickets have been accessed by other fans. 

“We are working with FIFA to review this ticketing process going forward.”

Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo helped to secure the Lionesses’ place in the final, despite Australia being given a lifeline through a goal from Sam Kerr.  

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final will take place at Accor Stadium on Sunday, August 20 at 11:00 BST (20:00 local time).