Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off their first Fifa Club World Cup game with a 1-0 win over South Korea’s Ulsan. However, their victory was marred by criticism of an empty US stadium.
The match was played before a handful of football fans at the Inter& Co Stadium in Orlando.
SUNDOWNS PLAY AT EMPTY STADIUM
On Wednesday, 18 June, Sundowns marked their first 2025 Fifa Club World Cup game and first African goal at the tournament. The club dubbed the “Brazilians” won 1-0 against South Korea’s Ulsan.
However, scenes from the group stage match revealed an empty stadium in the background.
According to various football social media accounts, around 100 fans gathered to watch the South African team at the 25 000 seater stadium in Orlando.
‘WITCHCRAFT’, SAYS SPORTS MINISTER
Scenes of Sundowns’ performance in a visibly empty stadium had many South Africans confused and amused.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie – an avid club fan – reacted to the imagery, posting on X: “Witchcraft at its best”.
Others laughed off the scenes, which they joked were reminiscent of local PSL games.
DWINDLING STADIUM NUMBERS
The empty Sundowns vs Ulsan stadium scenes were one of several Fifa Club World Cup games with low public attendance.
According to reports, the tournament’s opening match – Inter Miami vs Al Ahly was an unsurprising draw card, given soccer superstar Leo Messi made an appearance.
Another high-profile match – PSG vs Atletico Madrid – saw tens of thousands of football fans in attendance. Since then, empty stadiums and low ticket sales have been recorded in the last few days.
SUNDOWNS NEXT FIXTURES
Sundowns are part of the Club World Cup’s Group F, which also includes Brazil’s Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund of Germany. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockout phase, which includes the Top 15, quarter-final, semi-final, and ultimately the final, which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York on 13 July.
On Saturday, 21 June, Mamelodi Sundowns will play German club Dortmund.
On 25 June, they will face off against Brazilian club Fluminense.
ARE YOU SURPRISED AT THE EMPTY STADIUM AT THE SUNDOWNS’ FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP GAME?
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