Algarve Residents Excluded from Supertaça Ticket Sales - Cristóvão Norte Speaks Out

Supertaça Sparks Controversy Over Ticket Sales

With the Supertaça match between Sporting and Benfica just around the corner, Algarve residents are voicing their discontent over limited access to tickets. Despite the game being hosted at the Estádio Algarve, locals feel sidelined, as highlighted by Cristóvão Norte, a PSD deputy and candidate for Faro's City Council.

A 'Rented Belly Game'

Cristóvão Norte didn't mince words, calling the match a "jogo de barriga de aluguer" (rented belly game), criticizing the ticket sale rules for excluding the local population. He emphasized the irony in seeking local volunteers for the event while denying them the chance to attend.

Call for Greater Local Participation

The deputy stressed the Algarve's enthusiasm for hosting the Supertaça but lamented the lack of local engagement opportunities. He argued for a fairer distribution of tickets to ensure residents aren't merely spectators in their own region.

FPF and Clubs' Agreement

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), along with Sporting, Benfica, and authorities, agreed on the ticket distribution criteria. Citing security concerns, the FPF explained that high-risk matches like this derby require tickets to be sold directly by the participating clubs, limiting general public access.

The Estádio Algarve's capacity of 20,000 seats further complicates ticket availability, making it a hot topic among football fans and locals alike.