Many West Ham fans have been surprised by the paltry allocation for the big quarter-final tie at Bayer Leverkusen.
West Ham face the tough task of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the last eight of the Europa League.
The Germans are second favourites for the competition behind Liverpool.
But West Ham’s stellar attack and recent European pedigree makes them a dangerous opponent over two legs.
Just ask Sevilla, Lyon and Freiburg to name but three.
Hammers sell out paltry allocation for huge clash
West Ham play Leverkusen away in the first leg on April 11th.
David Moyes’ side then welcome Xabi Alonso’s pass-masters back to the London Stadium a week later.
The key for the Hammers will be ensuring they are well in the game for the second leg. And then making home advantage count.
So the away leg could be absolutely pivotal.
West Ham’s fans have loved every moment on their European adventures over the last few seasons.
So it’s no surprise the entire away allocation for the quarter-final sold out in no time at all.
What UEFA rules say about away allocations
What was surprising, though, was the small number of tickets for Hammers supporters.
West Ham’s paltry away allocation for the big quarter-final tie at Bayer Leverkusen is explained.
West Ham received an allocation of just 1,790 tickets for the first leg in Germany.
They sold out to Boldholders, Away Scheme Members and Season Ticket Holders with 51+ Loyalty Points or more. Some Hammers fans have voiced their frustration online at the small number of tickets available.
But it can be easily explained.
UEFA rules on ticket quotas clearly state that associations or clubs must agree on ticket quotas, unless the relevant competition regulations stipulate that the UEFA administration is responsible for taking this decision.
West Ham have actually been given above the minimum 5%
UEFA states that visiting association or club – that being West Ham for the first leg – must be allocated at least 5% of the total stadium capacity as tickets for their supporters in a dedicated sector of the stadium.
This sector of the stadium must be capable of being segregated from other sectors. The location of away supporters within this sector must be agreed in advance by police and public authorities.
Even if the segregated area of the stadium for visiting supporters constitutes more than 5 percent of the total stadium capacity, all places in the segregated area must be made available to the visiting association or club.
Leverkusen have a 30,000 capacity at the BayArena.
So West Ham’s allocation – although small – is actually nearer 6%.