A Saudi businessman has spent $2.6 million for a VIP ticket to see Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-star team play against Lionel Messi’s PSG in Riyadh on 19 January.
It is thought to be the most expensive football match ticket ever purchased, and it was bought as part of a fundraising campaign initiated by Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.
Al-Sheikh began the bidding at $268,000 for the game between an all-star Saudi Arabia team, comprised of players from Al Nassr and Al Hilal, and PSG, who feature global superstars such as Messi, Mbappé and Neymar. The winning bid, though, was a staggering $2.6 million from real estate businessman Musharraf bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, General Manager of the Aqar One group of companies.
It is thought to be the most expensive football match ticket ever purchased
It means the real estate boss now has a very unique match ticket that provides VIP access to the stadium as well as the opportunity to meet the players, visit the changing rooms, and even pose for a photo with the winning team. Other benefits include:
- Opportunity to meet Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar and Mbappé
- Attending the opening ceremony
- VIP match seats alongside Turki Al-Sheikh
- Gala lunch
- Trophy award access
Proceeds from the VIP ticket sale will be donated to Saudi Arabia’s Ehsan charity fund.
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