FIFA begins push to shift tickets
Friday, April 16, 2010
By Soccernet staff
As FIFA begins its phase of over-the-counter sales for World Cup tickets, organising committee chief executive Danny Jordaan has conceded it will be "tragic" if the tournament witnesses empty seats.
As FIFA begins its phase of over-the-counter sales for World Cup tickets, organising committee chief executive Danny Jordaan has conceded it will be "tragic" if the tournament witnesses empty seats.
Danny Jordaan
GettyImagesDanny Jordaan unveils the official World Cup ticket
Around 500,000 tickets remain unsold for the finals in South Africa and from Thursday, locals will be able to make cash purchases of tickets at supermarkets, ticketing centres and online in an effort to ensure that the stands are adequately filled.
The global recession has been blamed for the prediction that 350,000 visitors will travel to South Africa, 100,000 lower than original estimates. It is also believed that high prices have put off European supporters.
Demand for hospitality packages has also been lower than expected but FIFA hopes that increasing the number of tickets available to local fans will result in bulging crowds when the tournament starts in June.
"If we have empty stadiums, it will reinforce the idea that football is not supported in the country and that would be tragic," Jordaan said in the Sun. "The reality is that this is a football-mad country.
"We have always said that it is important that we make this World Cup more accessible to the people and, with the over-the-counter sales, we believe this measure is consistent with the needs of the fans."
It is reported that 300 tickets for the final itself will go on sale to the general public on Thursday.
posted @ 8:26 AM,
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