UEFA "has urged German fans desperate for tickets" for the Champions League Final "not to buy from unofficial suppliers" on the Internet, according to Keith Weir of REUTERS. Borussia Dortmund said that it "had received more than half a million applications for their allocation of just over 24,000 tickets for the final against German rivals Bayern Munich in London on May 25." Demand "also far exceeded supply for Bayern fans and tickets are being advertised online" for €1,800 ($2,400) and more. A UEFA statement said, "UEFA urges fans to ignore all such offers and refrain from attempting to buy such tickets as all such offers are not authorized by UEFA and may be fraudulent." Website Viagogo, which offers fans a chance to buy and sell unwanted tickets, said that "demand had quadrupled after the all-German final was confirmed." Viagogo Business Development Head Steve Roest said, "There was an influx of Spanish fans who wanted to sell tickets" (REUTERS, 5/8).
EUROPA LEAGUE: In London, Matt Hughes reported Chelsea’s ticketing problems before next week’s Europa League final against Benfica have "been exacerbated by a row with the club’s players over their individual allocations." The club has expressed its disappointment with UEFA "at being given only 9,800 tickets for the final at the Amsterdam ArenA" and is now "facing a backlash from the dressing room at what the players consider to be their own paltry allocation." Chelsea’s senior players committee has "made representations to the club about increasing the players’ allowance." Chelsea is "relatively relaxed about the players’ complaints," with sources insisting that "they are never happy with what they are given." The club is "also wary of antagonising fans who have been unable to buy tickets for the sold-out final by giving huge numbers to the players" (LONDON TIMES, 5/8).
