Only a quarter of England fans who would normally travel to a World Cup have so far attended
(Picture: PA)Three Lions fans face paying double for flights to roar on England against African champions Senegal in the World Cup last 16 this weekend.
The cost of flights to Qatar has surged since the team made it through to the knockout stages following their 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday.
A seat in economy on a flight leaving Heathrow tonight would cost £1,634 compared with £894 just a few days ago, according to Google Flights. If England progress to the semi-finals or final, a Heathrow-Doha return ticket leaps to a staggering £2,011 in mid-December.
Gareth Southgate’s men have become the hottest ticket in town with touts demanding 17 times the face value for Sunday’s clash at Doha’s Al Bayt Stadium.
Thousands of tickets have appeared on resale sites at vastly inflated prices, with many being sold by fans whose teams have been knocked out.
The Standard found a £225 category 1 ticket being sold on Ticombo for £3,755, including a £709 booking fee.
Previously, fans needed a match ticket to get the necessary Hayya immigration permit to enter Qatar. But after the final round of group matches tomorrow, this restriction will be lifted, meaning supporters can fly in at short notice without having to negotiate the red tape.
Only a quarter of England fans who would normally travel to a World Cup attended the group stage, with many put off by the cost, the administration and limited availability of alcohol.
Of the 8,000 at the team’s 3-0 thrashing of Wales, numbers were boosted by expats living in the Middle East.
However, female fans say they have been enjoying the atmosphere at the alcohol-free games in the majority-Muslim country where British police report no arrests or incidents.
Nottingham student Ellie Molloson, 19, who runs HerGameToo, said of her time in Qatar: “There have been no catcalls, wolf whistles or sexism of any kind. I’ve not experienced any of the harassment I have experienced in England. I don’t know how they have achieved that but it’s an amazing environment.”
Chelsea supporter Jo Glover, 47, from Milton Keynes, added: “The atmosphere here feels less tribal. Everyone is wearing their colours and there is no hassle.”
