Thousands of Morocco fans have been struggling to purchase tickets for their 2022 World Cup semi-final against France, with prolonged queues increasing security fears.

The Athletic witnessed multiple people outside the Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday get taken into ambulances after collapsing while queuing for tickets as well as physical altercations as security pushed fans back. Portable Folding Chair

Gates were due to open for ticket sales at 10am local time outside the Al Janoub Stadium, however, by 12pm only a limited number of stalls had been opened.

There has been a visible increase in frustration among fans attempting to get tickets, with some informing The Athletic that they joined the queue at 11pm on Monday.

Metal barriers, which are used to guide queues to the relevant ticket-purchase stalls, have been moved multiple times, changing the direction of the queues. This has appeared to increase the confusion and tension among those outside the ground.

The Athletic has contacted FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, which has organised the World Cup in Qatar, for comment.

Earlier in the tournament, the world governing body issued an apology after several fans experienced difficulties trying to get into the Khalifa International Stadium for England’s opening group-stage game against Iran.

The semi-final is due to take place on Wednesday at the Al Bayt Stadium at 10pm local time (7pm GMT; 2pm ET), with a large contingent of support anticipated from the north African country.

Morocco has also become the first-ever nation in Africa to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals.

As a result, Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc has laid on an extra 30 flights from Casablanca to Doha for the semi-final, adding to the thousands of supporters who are already attending the tournament in Qatar.

The airline has not put a requirement for individuals to have a match ticket to purchase the flights. Some Morocco supporters attempting to purchase tickets were seen outside the Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday with their suitcases.

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Metal Flower Stands For Wedding Decoration After writing for publications including 90min, Jay worked at Sky Sports News before joining The Athletic in the summer of 2021 to cover Brentford. Follow Jay on Twitter @jaydmharris