‘Huge problem’ – World Cup final suffers technical glitch to spark fears of delayed kick-off

A technical glitch with FIFA’s ticket-scanning system is threatening to delay the World Cup final.

Spain take on Argentina at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey tonight.

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The match is scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST, live on talkSPORT.

However, tech issues at the stadium have caused long queues as fans attempt to enter the venue.

Meanwhile, some have even been misdirected to the wrong parts of the stadium.

As a result, hundreds of seats could be left empty when the match gets underway as supporters scramble to gain access.

Of those attending the 80,663-capacity ground, some will have paid thousands for a ticket to the match.

The costliest tickets for the final were being sold for around £8,333 by FIFA, making them the most expensive general admission tickets in history.

Update provided

Speaking to World Cup Game Day from outside the stadium, talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham provided an update on the situation.

He explained: “Basically what’s happened is, when we’ve come to games at this venue and others, you’ve worked out how long it’s going to take and worked out where to go.

“It does take a lot of time, there’s security checks.

“But for this final, because we believe the President is turning up, the US security service has taken over the running of this stadium and the running of the security of the stadium.

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“The queues are ginormous. Anybody who didn’t arrive at least six hours before kick-off has got a real problem. Even six hours might not have been enough.

“If you were in Manhattan this morning and you thought you’d have a nice leisurely breakfast and head down there at 11am, you are bang in trouble because you are probably, possibly not going to make it into the game for kick-off.

“It’s been a huge problem and not enough people are prepared for it. Thousands outside, long snaking queues and there could be empty seats at kick-off.”

Durham added: “It’s not impossible they might delay kick-off, but I doubt it very much.”

FIFA advice

FIFA had advised fans to get to their seats four hours before kick-off, with the closing ceremony starting at 6.30pm BST, an hour and a half before the match.

A half-time show is also scheduled between the first and second half, with Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS slated to perform.

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Additional security measures are in operation at the MetLife Stadium for the World Cup final with President Donald Trump in attendance.

It marks the first match of the tournament which he has been present at.

Meanwhile, tonight’s clash will be the eighth match staged in East Rutherford this summer.

As well as five group stage fixtures, the stadium also hosted France’s last 32 win over Sweden and Norway’s round of 16 victory against Brazil.