“A slap in the face to fans”: Kairat responds to criticism over Champions League match relocation
The club faced a wave of backlash after announcing that its home fixtures against Olympiacos (9 December) and Club Brugge (20 January) would be moved from Almaty’s Central Stadium to Astana Arena due to winter weather conditions.
Supporters were particularly angered that ticket prices in Astana — 15,000 to 50,000 tenge — are significantly cheaper than the 30,000 to 250,000 tenge price range used in Almaty. Fans called the move “a slap in the face” and accused the club of breaking its previous claim that UEFA-approved ticket prices could not be changed mid-season.
In its new statement, Kairat addressed the criticism directly:
“Earlier, FC Kairat stated that ticket prices for Champions League home matches were fixed under UEFA’s pricing policy and could not be altered. This pricing structure was approved specifically for matches held at Central Stadium in Almaty and could not be revised within those conditions. The forced relocation to Astana — agreed with UEFA due to unfavorable winter conditions — changed the venue and the requirements associated with it. Under these new conditions, the club gained the ability to adjust ticket prices.”
Kairat emphasized that the decision was driven by stadium restrictions and UEFA regulations, not by disregard for fans.
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The relocated matches will take place at Astana Arena, with ticket sales starting on 28 November. The arena has prior Champions League experience — a decade ago, FC Astana hosted Galatasaray, Benfica, and Atlético Madrid there.
Kairat earned its first group-stage point of the season earlier in Almaty in a draw against Cyprus’ Pafos.