Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has cautioned supporters against going into financial difficulty to follow the national team at next year’s World Cup in the United States.
Clarke made the remarks as members of the Scotland supporters’ club were invited to apply for tickets to group-stage matches against Haiti and Morocco in Boston, and a final group fixture against Brazil in Miami.
Ticket pricing for the tournament has drawn criticism, with FIFA accused of setting costs that could force fans to spend thousands of pounds to attend matches.
Scotland supporters are expected to receive about eight per cent of available tickets for their group games, although the Scottish Football Association (SFA) hopes the allocation will increase closer to the tournament.
“It’s going to be expensive,” Clarke told BBC Scotland. “If you can get there and you can afford it, then fantastic, but don’t push yourself too far into debt trying to be there.”
He added that ticket pricing decisions lie with FIFA, noting that the SFA has taken its full allocation for Scotland matches.
Scotland will face five-time world champions Brazil in Miami on June 24, with 3,736 tickets allocated to Scottish fans. Prices for that match range from £198 to £523.
Clarke said he hopes long-standing supporters who regularly travel to follow the team can secure tickets at reasonable prices, adding that they “deserve to be there.”
He also revealed that demand among fans is already high, saying a friend had booked flights but was still waiting for ticket availability.
