According to reports, FIFA has decided to close certain sections of stadiums for several Club World Cup games because ticket sales have been insufficient, even after the organization cut ticket prices for the event.

The newly formatted and expanded tournament is set to begin in the United States on Sunday, June 15, with the opening match featuring Al-Ahly against Inter Miami.

There have been concerns that the first game, which features Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, will be met by thousands of empty seats.

Earlier this month it was reported that sales for the match had been as low as 20,000, but FIFA denied the estimate.

The tournament’s tickets have been marketed using a dynamic pricing strategy, where prices are adjusted based on demand. The reduction in prices suggests that FIFA is facing challenges in selling these tickets.

The Athletic reported that the cheapest seat was priced at $349 (£257) following the draw in December, but tickets have been listed at $67 (£50) on FIFA’s official ticketing partner Ticketmaster.

The outlet reported that FIFA have also offered a deal to Miami Dade College in their bid to fill the stadium for the tournament’s opening match.

The governing body had launched a partnership with the college last year, offering the chance for students to intern at their Miami office.

FIFA have now reportedly offered a promotion which will provide ‘up to four complimentary tickets to the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup with the purchase of one ticket at the reduced student price of $20’.

The offer effectively sees some tickets to watch Messi and Inter Miami on Sunday be priced at $4 (£2.90).

The Hard Rock Stadium is set to host eight matches of the expanded competition.

The Associated Press reported that the upper levels for certain matches at Seattle’s Lumen Field and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field were no longer available. Links to a smattering of resale tickets in those sections did not work.

A person with knowledge of the situation said some sections of Lumen Field in Seattle had been closed, but did not offer details. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak on the record.

In Philadelphia, some ticketholders received messages that said they were moved.

‘As we continue preparations to deliver a world-class event, we are making a few enhancements inside the stadium to optimise operations and ensure the best possible matchday experience for fans, players and the global broadcast audience,’ the message said. 

‘As a result of these stadium optimisations, some seats, including yours, will be relocated. We want to ensure you that your new seat will be in the same or better value zone than your original one.’

Thousands of tickets are currently available for the match between Brazilian side Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis from Tunisia.

Numerous tickets are available at $33 (£24) for the match on Monday.

FIFA offered a general statement on ticketing for the tournament, stating that the revamped competition has ‘global anticipation and reach,’. 

‘We anticipate great attendances and electric atmospheres at its inaugural edition, with excitement growing with every round of matches and the tournament ultimately standing as the undisputed pinnacle of club world football,’ a statement read.

‘The appetite speaks for itself: fans from over 130 countries have already purchased tickets.

‘The top 10 markets are led by the United States, followed by Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, France, Japan, Switzerland, Germany and Portugal – a clear sign of global anticipation and reach.’ 

Some matches at the tournament have attracted interest from fans, including newly crowned Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain’s opener against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

The least expensive seats at the Rose Bowl are currently priced at $97 (£71).