An expected 80,000 crowd for new EPL champions Chelsea’s clash in Sydney and strong interest in Spurs’ tour match shows Australia’s interest in world-class football remains high, say tour organisers.
Hyundai A-League club Sydney FC host Jose Mourinho’s newly crowned EPL champions at ANZ Stadium on June 2.
The trip is set to be a celebration for the Blues who were crowned EPL champions a week ago.
And with Mourinho to hold court in Sydney, media interest is set to explode when one of the most charismatic coaches in world football answers questions from the local press.
“Interest in the game has been phenomenal,” says Greg Sleigh from ANZ Stadium.
“There are tickets left but I doubt they’d last very long. It’s been extraordinary the interest we’ve had and it shows local fans want these games.”
Tickets for the Chelsea game went on-sale today.
The Premier League trophy is tipped to be on show during Chelsea’s time in the Harbour City while the game itself will be shown on free-to-air TV.
“Chelsea has around 250 million fans across Asia and we know there are fans coming in from Hong Kong and New Zealand.
“It really is the perfect storm with Chelsea’s first game since winning the EPL at our stadium and having someone like Jose Mourinho here,” said Sleigh.
Three days earlier, Chelsea’s cross-town rivals Spurs also face Sydney FC at the same venue on May 30 in part one of an EPL double.
That game is tipped to attract around 70,000 to a venue that hosted the Olympics opening ceremony 15 years ago.
“This will be the biggest week for the stadium since the Olympics in 2000,” added Sleigh.
