The Fiji TimesSoccer-Followers irate as FIFA strikes Membership World Cup match to Tangier

RABAT (Reuters) – The Membership World Cup third-place match between Brazil’s Flamengo and Egypt’s Al Ahly deliberate to be held in Rabat earlier than the ultimate on Saturday has been moved to Tangier, FIFA mentioned on Thursday.

Host nation Morocco determined to change the venue to protect the pitch at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium for the ultimate between Actual Madrid and Al Hilal.

The choice, made 48 hours earlier than the matches, precipitated confusion and anger amongst followers who made the journey to Morocco and now face a serious logistical headache.

Round 15,000 Brazilian supporters who’ve travelled to Morocco and needed to endure the frustration of seeing South American champions Flamengo undergo a 3-2 upset loss to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal within the semi-finals should determine whether or not to remain in Rabat for the ultimate or to go to Tangier to look at their crew.

“Followers who’ve purchased tickets for the double-header shall be knowledgeable shortly,” FIFA mentioned in a press release.

“Particular journey preparations shall be organised by ONCF, Morocco’s nationwide railway operator, enabling those that wish to watch the third-place match in Tangier to have the ability to accomplish that.

“Ticket holders will be capable to alternate their present tickets for brand spanking new ones for the third-place match, or have the choice to use for a refund of current tickets.”

In keeping with Brazilian journey company Outsider, 10% of their shoppers requested to return dwelling after the semi-final loss.

“FIFA’s choice left the followers in misplaced in translation,” Tatiana Ribeiro, from journey company Ribeiro Viagens, advised Reuters.

“You can not change the placement of a world match like this, out of nowhere. It’s the final word lack of respect to the followers that thought they’d be seeing a double-header irrespective of the ultimate was.

“Many of the flights booked by the Brazilians are on Sunday morning from Casablanca, which is just one hour away from Rabat. Tangier is a protracted four-hours drive. That’s no time or flexibility to alter resort and flight reservations. It’s insanity.”