Close Menu
  • Home
  • Latest
  • Entertainment
  • Global News
  • Local News
  • Sports News
  • Scholarships
  • Stories
  • Contact
What's Hot

US teen pilot detained in Antarctica during attempt to fly solo to all 7 continents

July 3, 2025

Boston University Responds to Alex Cooper’s Harassment Claims

June 13, 2025

Jussie Smollett Settles With Chicago, Pays $50K to Charity

May 22, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
GLOBAL GIST HUBLET Tuesday, July 8
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Latest

    Estevão Willian turns down Chelsea Club World Cup invite to honour Palmeiras farewell

    July 8, 2025

    Pre-season training: What tests, drills, and preparations do football clubs do?

    July 8, 2025

    'I forgot the score' – Andreeva into Wimbledon quarters

    July 8, 2025

    APC threatened by Atiku – Dele Momodu

    July 8, 2025

    Denise Richards Divorce Details: REVEALED, Shocking!

    July 8, 2025
  • Entertainment
  • Global News
  • Local News
  • Sports News
  • Scholarships
  • Stories
  • Contact
GLOBAL GIST HUBLET
Home » Chelsea Play to 50,000 Empty Seats – Poor Scheduling or Fan Apathy?
Global News

Chelsea Play to 50,000 Empty Seats – Poor Scheduling or Fan Apathy?

AdminBy AdminJune 16, 2025No Comments3 Mins Read5 Views

Chelsea Play to 50,000 Empty Seats – Poor Scheduling or Fan Apathy?

Chelsea Play to Sparse Crowd in Club World Cup Opener Amid Criticism Over FIFA Scheduling and Marketing

Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign kicked off in front of tens of thousands of empty seats at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia — raising fresh concerns about the tournament’s appeal and FIFA’s organization strategy.

The match, which saw Chelsea beat Los Angeles FC 2–0, was scheduled at 3 p.m. local time on a Monday — an unusual and inconvenient time that many believe contributed to the underwhelming turnout.

The announced attendance was 22,137 in a stadium that holds up to 71,000 spectators, with the entire top tier closed off. Even then, the lower bowl was only sparsely filled.

Before kickoff, ticket prices started around £37 ($47), dropping to as low as £26 ($33) during the game. Despite the discounts, large sections of the stadium remained empty, prompting criticism over pricing and planning.

Tickets remained widely available online throughout the match.

Lack of Local Relevance, Travel Distance, and Fan Disconnect

Los Angeles FC, Chelsea’s opponents, are based over 2,000 miles away from Atlanta — hardly ideal for building local interest.

Despite Chelsea’s larger global fan base, their supporters remained relatively quiet, only reacting during key moments such as the goals and debut of Liam Delap.

LAFC’s 150-strong group of travelling “ultras” were far more vocal, dominating the stadium atmosphere.

The low turnout is fueling debate about whether the revamped Club World Cup, being held exclusively in the U.S. this year, is failing to connect with American audiences.

The tournament is seen as a dry run for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Experts Point to Scheduling and Poor Marketing

Doug Roberson, a journalist with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, told the BBC that the timing of the match was a critical misstep.

“It’s not because people here don’t care about soccer,” he said. “It’s a Monday at 3 p.m. I’m surprised there were as many as there were.”

He added that the Club World Cup remains relatively unknown among American fans, and many are saving money for next summer’s World Cup. “Ticket prices were ridiculous for a tournament people don’t fully understand,” he said.

Jonathan Tannenwald of the Philadelphia Inquirer blamed FIFA’s lack of localized promotion. “You can’t just expect people to show up,” he said. “There was no proper local organizing committee. FIFA did it all in-house — and it shows.”

FIFA Faces Growing Scrutiny

BBC Sport’s chief football writer, Phil McNulty, called the empty seats a “major embarrassment” for FIFA.

“There were long-standing concerns this overstuffed tournament would fail to capture public imagination — and those fears were confirmed,” he wrote.

He warned that if FIFA doesn’t address scheduling and affordability, the 2026 World Cup could face similar pitfalls.

Despite the disappointing visuals, FIFA insists that the tournament is still gaining traction.

Some matches have attracted strong crowds — including over 80,000 for PSG vs Atletico Madrid and 60,000 for Inter Miami vs Al-Ahly.

Still, most upcoming matches have thousands of unsold tickets, and FIFA is using dynamic pricing — even offering buy-one-get-four promotions to boost attendance.

With more weekday matches set for noon, 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. local time, attendance figures may continue to be a sore point — and serve as a warning for FIFA as it looks ahead to its global showpiece event in 2026.

Chelsea Play to 50,000 Empty Seats – Poor Scheduling or Fan Apathy?

Entertainment football global News Sports Stories updates

Related Posts

Estevão Willian turns down Chelsea Club World Cup invite to honour Palmeiras farewell

July 8, 2025

Pre-season training: What tests, drills, and preparations do football clubs do?

July 8, 2025

'I forgot the score' – Andreeva into Wimbledon quarters

July 8, 2025
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Top Posts

Spurs’ Son Hails Postecoglou as a Club Legend

June 7, 20257 Views

Serena Williams Pregnant? Everything to Know About the Tennis Legend’s Family

June 28, 20257 Views

Mohamed Salah scared of returning to Anfield following Diogo Jota’s death

July 5, 20257 Views

Extreme heat, poor pitches & plenty of goals – Club World Cup reaches halfway

June 27, 20253 Views
Don't Miss

Seun Okinbaloye Urges Tinubu: Choose Thinkers Over Loyalists

June 9, 20253 Mins Read6 Views

Seun Okinbaloye Urges Tinubu: Choose Thinkers Over Loyalists Seun Okinbaloye, a prominent journalist and host…

Update: NAPTIP Arrests Man Seen Assaulting Wife in Viral Video

May 19, 2025

Air India Crash Death Toll Hits 270

June 15, 2025

Pakistan School Bus Attack Kills 5+

May 21, 2025
About Us
About Us

GlobalHublet.com is a trusted financial platform providing expert insights on investing, personal finance, and market trends. We offer in-depth analysis, wealth-building strategies, and financial education to help individuals and businesses make informed decisions. Stay updated with the latest financial news, tips, and resources to achieve your financial goals.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest YouTube WhatsApp
Don't Miss

Senate to Rivers Officials: Emergency Rule Can’t Replace Democracy

June 20, 2025

Trump Considers Joining Iran Strikes After Demanding ‘Unconditional Surrender’

June 18, 2025

Mohbad: Sam Larry leaks audio of Zlatan Ibile to defend bullying allegations

June 30, 2025
Most Popular

Court Rules Trump Retains Control of California National Guard

June 13, 20254 Views

Al-Hilal 'climb Everest' – but 'worrying signs' for Man City

July 1, 20253 Views

Irish Premiership: Linfield begin title defence against

June 24, 20253 Views
GLOBAL GIST HUBLET
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
© 2025 Global Hublet. Designed by Global Hublet.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.