Soccer

FAI launch ‘Fans Direct’ database for independent away supporters

Move comes after criticism of association over ticket distribution for Scotland game

Republic of Ireland supporters in full voice at the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland at Celtic Park in Glasgow. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Republic of Ireland supporters in full voice at the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland at Celtic Park in Glasgow. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Fri Nov 21 2014 - 19:06

The FAI is putting in place a database of independent supporters to allow access to tickets for away matches.

The move comes following widespread criticism over the way tickets were allocated for the recent Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland at Celtic Park in Glasgow.

Many supporters who regularly attend away matches were left without a ticket from the FAI’s allocation of just over 3,000 and were forced to buy tickets amongst Scotland fans through the Scottish FA website.

Independent supporters forum You Boys in Green (Ybig) claimed that the FAI gave preference to the 23 official supporters’ clubs over customers of the FAI’s own heavily promoted season-ticket scheme and individuals with a record of travelling overseas to support the national team.

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In a press release, the FAI announced that the ‘Fans Direct’ initiative “will provide a route for independent supporters to apply directly and be considered within this group for away match tickets”.

Entries are already open and supporters can apply by email to fansdirect@fai.ie or by post to Fans Direct, Football Association of Ireland, National Sports Campus, Abbotstown, Dublin 15.

The FAI’s supporter liaison officer will manage the process.