High prices and tight security threaten to eclipse Belgium‑Turkey duel

In the cold evening light of the Stade de Sclessin, thousands of shuttle buses stand ready, but only the 1,300 Turkish supporters with a voucher may go to the stadium via a collection point. The Belgian football association and the law enforcement services have taken extraordinary security measures to prevent a repeat of the riots in Ghent in 2011.

Strict entry procedure

Fans must first exchange their voucher for an official match ticket, after which they are taken to the stadium by a shuttle bus. The gates open at 6:00 p.m., and private transport is prohibited. Additional stewards and a bilingual stadium speaker, who speaks Turkish, provide extra control and clear communication.

Ticket gouging prices and illegal resale

Official tickets cost between €40 and €85, but on the black market they are now being sold for three figures each, which is three times the original price. Although resale has been illegal since 2013, sites continue to offer tickets at gouging prices. The official fan guide warns that each ticket must be registered to the supporter who is actually present.

The match between Belgium and Turkey, taking place for the first time in fifteen years, draws not only the Red Devils but also a large Turkish community in the country. For many supporters this is the first time they can see the Turkish national team live in Belgium, making the demand for tickets enormous.

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The previous international in 2011 ended with a missed penalty by Axel Witsel, a moment that still resonates with older fans. Although the current stakes are lower, the appeal of the confrontation remains undiminished, especially for the Turkish diaspora.

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For fans who follow the official channels, there is an article with a four‑minute audio version, in which the ticket prices and security measures are explained. The message is clear: enjoy the duel, but take into account the strict rules and the high costs.