فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Technical Issues in the Sale of Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Tickets
- The launch of ticket sales for AFCON 2025 encountered significant technical disruptions on the official YALLA app, causing widespread frustration among fans, especially due to the unexpectedly high demand.
- The mandatory “Fan ID” system sparked debate as some users found the procedures complicated and unclear, despite its necessity for stadium entry and security purposes.
- Sources indicate that overwhelming traffic on the platform from the very first minutes was the primary cause, with organizers pledging swift fixes to improve the user experience.
Background of the Process:
Ticket sales officially started on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 9 AM GMT, with an exclusive 48-hour pre-sale for Visa cardholders before opening to the general public. The process is managed via the YALLA app, which requires account creation and issuing a Fan ID before accessing tickets.cafonline.com for purchase. However, heavy traffic caused slowdowns and interruptions, preventing thousands of users from completing registration.
Causes of Disruptions and Fan Reactions:
YALLA’s support team acknowledged a “technical glitch” caused by the massive number of simultaneous users and advised trying again later. Fans expressed their frustration on social media, sharing screenshots of frozen pages and long queues. This is not the first occurrence, as CAF postponed an earlier sale phase in September due to similar technical difficulties.
Fan ID System:
The Fan ID is mandatory for stadium access, requiring users to download the app and submit personal data and documents. Despite controversy about its complexity and lack of guidance, it also facilitates e-visa applications for international visitors.
Future Outlook:
With the tournament less than 70 days away (starting December 21, 2025), organizers expect improvements, including app updates. Fans are advised to remain patient and follow official announcements to avoid issues.
Detailed Report on AFCON 2025 Ticket Sale Disruptions
Introduction:
The official ticket sale for AFCON 2025, launching October 13, 2025, at 9 AM GMT, experienced major technical difficulties on the YALLA platform—responsible for ticketing and Fan ID management. The high demand caused severe slowdowns and repeated interruptions, triggering a wave of complaints on social media. Sources close to the organizing committee attribute issues to excessive platform load, with promises of rapid fixes to enhance the fan experience.
Official Process Details:
CAF announced the app launch on September 12, booking to have begun September 25, but postponed to October 13 due to prior glitches. Buying tickets requires:
- Downloading the YALLA app (available on Google Play and App Store).
- Creating an account and issuing a Fan ID with personal info (name, email, birth date, password) and document upload (ID or passport).
- Applying for e-visa if needed.
- Accessing tickets.cafonline.com to buy (one ticket per match per Fan ID).
A 48-hour Visa cardholders-only phase precedes general sales. The app also provides live updates, hotel booking, and match info.
Main Technical Issues:
Users faced delays in verification, errors such as “An error occurred, please try again later,” or “Email already used.” Issues included:
- Slow receipt of verification codes or Fan IDs.
- Long, freezing digital queues.
- Reset failures for passwords or document uploads.
- Registration disruptions, stalling completion.
YALLA confirmed overload with over 2 million global requests and 92,000 Fan IDs active by October 12. Similar problems occurred in September, causing delays and apologies from CAF.
Fan Reactions and Fan ID Debate:
Fans criticized the Fan ID’s complexity and lack of clear instructions on Twitter and other platforms. Some complained they had been trying to register for over 24 hours without success. While the Fan ID aims to simplify stadium entry and visa processes, it adds complexity for some, especially international visitors. Nonetheless, some succeeded and noted that upcoming updates might resolve issues.
Organizer Responses and Proposed Solutions:
Organizers cited high platform demand as the root cause, promising updates and continuous attempts. CAF and partners appeal for fan patience while improving services. Royal Air Maroc added over 660 extra flights to facilitate fan travel. YALLA, backed by Microsoft, commits to sustainable digital solutions.
Economic and Organizational Importance:
AFCON 2025 represents a substantial boost for Moroccan tourism, expecting over 500,000 visitors. Ticket prices range from 100 dirhams (~$10) for early matches to 900 dirhams for the final, segmented into multiple price categories to balance accessibility and event prestige.
Despite technical challenges, AFCON 2025 remains a historic and unifying African football event. Fans are encouraged to follow official updates to ensure fair access and smooth participation across all platforms.
