IRELAND’S WORLD CUP qualifier against Wales is already a sell-out — two months before the Aviva Stadium showdown.
And the Boys in Green are set to have a massive home advantage after the FAI confirmed that only 3,500 tickets have been given to the visitors in their official allocation.
Martin O’Neill’s side sit on top of Group D after four games, four points clear of Wales, but the 24 March clash has long been earmarked as crucial to both sides’ qualification chances.
Tickets for the game first went on public sale last November as part of a two-match package which also included the friendly against Iceland on 28 March.
There was “phenomenal demand” for the package which sold out in record time, the FAI said on Tuesday.
The remainder of the tickets were then snapped up when they were released in a pre-sale to season ticket holders, supporters clubs, Club Ireland members, Jack Charlton Lounge patrons, the “football family” and sponsors.
The scramble for away tickets looks likely to be every bit as intense due to the limited number of tickets available for the travelling Welsh fans.
Ireland will receive 3,500 tickets for the return fixture on 9 October at Cardiff City Stadium, which is much smaller than the Aviva with a capacity of 33,280.
Rather than match that allocation on a percentage basis, the FAI have agreed a “one-for-one” arrangement with the Football Association of Wales.
Welsh fans said last week that they were “outraged” and “really disappointed” by their allocation for the Dublin game.
The FAI declined to comment on initial reports last week but on Tuesday said: “The Football Association of Wales (FAW) reached an agreement with the FAI last November to provide 3,500 tickets for the game in Aviva Stadium.
“The same number of tickets would then be allocated to the FAI for Ireland supporters travelling to Cardiff in October.”
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