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Smallest Asian Cup stadium capacity could be increased

Xinhua, January 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

The organizers of the 2015 Asian Cup are considering increasing the capacity at Newcastle stadium, which was the smallest venues in five.

It is possible that the stadium holds a potentially explosive semifinal between hosts Australia and defending champions Japan on Jan. 27, which put the organizers under pressure to open up the standing grassy areas to fans.

The venue can accommodate 23,000 spectators while in A-League, the capacity can reach as many as 33,000 when fans are allowed to watch the games from the grassy areas behind the goals.

But the Asian Football Confederation barred ticket sales for non-seating areas behind the goals last Saturday.

A spokesperson of the Australian Local Organizing Committee said their other option would be to switch the match to a bigger venue, which is still under consideration. Endit