‘Obese Persons’ to be allocated special seating by FIFA

FIFA have made Special Access Tickets (SATs) available to “Obese Persons” for the first time. Football fans who can produce evidence that their BMI is equal to or above 35kg/m2 will be eligible for seats previously reserved for the disabled and people with limited mobility.

The tickets will be available to obese people for the first time for the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia in June, an event seen as a dry run for the 2018 World Cup. In a statement they said “a signed doctor’s note stating the person’s BMI will be required” to prove their condition.

The seats available for obese people are described as being easy access, with extra-width. Unlike other SATs holders, the obese seats are not eligible for an additional complimentary ticket for a companion.

The number of tickets being made available under the measure has not been released by FIFA, which said that they “are limited in number due to Stadia configuration.” The tickets are retailing at the same price as a standard ticket.

In the 2014 World Cup double-width reinforced seats were released for seating fans weighing up to 40 stone (254kg). The seats were found to cost twice the price of regular seating and were also available to people who weren’t obese. However, obese people were eligible for a 50 percent discount on presentation of a doctor's note.

The eight-team Confederations Cup takes place every four years and involves international teams, including the winners of regional championships, the host nation and the previous FIFA World Cup winner. This year will see Russia, Portugal, Germany, Chile, Australia, Mexico, Cameroon and New Zealand compete.