The upcoming French Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille in Kuwait is set to take place without the presence of organized fan groups from either club. This unusual situation arises from the cancellation of official supporter trips, primarily due to a lack of sufficient registrations and the high cost associated with such travel. Despite the absence of traditional away support, local ticket sales indicate that a considerable number of spectators are still expected to attend the match at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for this significant football event.
Fan Travel Plans Derailed for Kuwait Showdown
The highly anticipated derby match for the Trophee des Champions in Kuwait will proceed without the planned official fan presence from both Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille. PSG's comprehensive travel package, priced at 800 euros, included round-trip airfare, on-board meals, local transportation, and a match ticket for the game at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, which boasts a capacity of approximately 60,000. However, this offer failed to attract the minimum number of participants, largely due to its substantial cost, especially following the holiday season, leading to its cancellation by the club.
Similarly, Marseille's supporter groups had already decided to boycott the trip in late December, deeming the distant location incongruent with their established fan culture. This collective decision from both sides has resulted in the second derby of the season being played without official fan sections from either team. While there will be no organized fan departure from Paris, reports suggest that the PSG Fan Club Lebanon is anticipated to be present at the venue to support Luis Enrique's squad. Despite the absence of the core away support, the LFP has indicated that over half of the tickets have already been sold, suggesting a strong local turnout for the match.
Impact of Supporter Absence on the Super Cup Atmosphere
The absence of organized fan groups from Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille for the Trophee des Champions in Kuwait marks a significant shift in the matchday experience. PSG's attempt to provide an all-inclusive travel package, encompassing flights, meals, and match tickets for 800 euros, was ultimately unsuccessful in attracting enough supporters. This was largely attributed to the high price point, particularly after the holiday period, and for a competition relocated far from home. The cancellation means that the vibrant, passionate displays typically brought by dedicated fan sections will be noticeably absent from the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.
The decision by Marseille's supporter groups to boycott the trip, citing the distance as a deviation from their 'ultra' culture, further solidifies the lack of traditional away support. Consequently, the derby will miss the intense rivalries and vocal battles between fan bases that usually define such high-stakes encounters. While the PSG Fan Club Lebanon is expected to offer some support, their presence may not fully compensate for the absence of the larger, more organized groups. Despite these challenges, local ticket sales have been robust, with more than half of the stadium's 60,000 capacity already purchased, indicating that a substantial local crowd will still generate an energetic atmosphere for the Super Cup final.