England fans missed the start of the World Cup opener against Iran as the FIFA ticket app tournament crashed before kick-off

A number of England fans in Qatar missed the start of their World Cup opener against Iran due to ticketing issues.

Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions played their first Group A game on Monday afternoon, but many fans struggled to enter the Khalifa International Stadium.

As the 4 p.m. local time kick-off approached, some were unable to access their tickets on the official FIFA app.

A group of England supporters were also seen arguing with officials as they were told the queue entrance was closed and they were repeatedly moved to another entrance.

One England fan said he should have ‘just used paper tickets’ and criticized how the entry was organised.

FIFA acknowledged that some fans were having problems accessing their tickets and said it was working to resolve the issue.

He advised them to go to the stadium’s “ticket resolution point” for help.

Free Lions, the Football Fans Association team which provides travel and logistical advice to supporters, said on Twitter: “We are aware of issues with some e-tickets at the stadium with the ticketing app of FIFA The FA is working hard to find a solution for England fans.

“If you’re having trouble seeing your ticket on the app, join the ticketing resolution queue at the stadium, but keep checking the app.”

FIFA released a statement just before kick-off giving advice to fans.

It read: “Some spectators are currently having an issue accessing their tickets through the FIFA Ticketing app. FIFA is working to resolve the issue. In the meantime, fans who cannot access their mobile tickets should check the email accounts they used to sign up for the Ticketing app for further instructions.

“In the event that fans are unable to access their email accounts, the stadium ticket resolution point will be able to assist them. We thank fans for their understanding as we work to resolve the issue as soon as possible. »