World Cup tickets went on sale 20 February 2009 - first closing bids must be received by 31 March 2009


FIFA has already opened its pre-registration services on www.FIFA.com, while national sponsor of the tournament, FNB, will be making it possible for local football fans to buy tickets at specific branches throughout the country.

The 2010 World Cup is the first in the tournament’s 70 year history to ever take place on African soil. In order to see as many local fans enjoy the event, FIFA, tournament sponsors and the Local Organising Committee have drawn up a creative and inclusive ticketing plan.

According to FIFA the ticket prices for the 2010 World Cup are comparable to 2006 prices with an average of USD 139 per ticket compared with USD 136 in 2006. The most expensive tickets will cost a hefty US900 (Category 1 ticket for the final) while the cheapest tickets will cost USD 20 (category 4 ticket for a group stage match). In 2006, the cheapest ticket cost USD 51.

The Category 4 tickets will only be available to South Africans. “FIFA and the LOC felt there was a need to offer a significantly cheaper ticket to meet the demands of grassroots football fans who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend a FIFA World Cup match and thus be part of this once in a lifetime experience,” said FIFA in a statement.

In addition, 120 000 free World Cup tickets will be distributed to South Africans through the FIFA Ticket Fund. Through the fund, some 40 000 tickets will be given to construction workers who helped build the 2010 stadiums while FNB will be giving away 16 000 tickets through the bank’s 2010 promotional activities.

These ticket sales mark the first phase in a total of five sales phases, with tickets being allocated by a random selection draw for over-subscribed matches and ticket categories.

The second ticket phase will run from 4 May to 16 November 2009. During this period, tickets will be attributed based on the order in which the application is received and, of course, subject to availability, says FIFA.

Tickets can either be ordered online through FIFA, by first signing up (for free) on FIFA Club. Alternatively South African fans can buy tickets through the FNB Visa Official Mascot Pre-paid card; the unique ticket payment card for those who are successfully awarded tickets through the official paper application forms handed in at FNB branches around the country.

For more information, visit www.FIFA.com


Article courtesy of SA The Good News www.sagoodnews.co.za