Companies lose out in World Cup ticket scams

Local companies, including petrochemicals giant, Sasol, have lost more than R6,5-million in World Cup ticketing scams, the Sunday Times reported.

Dozens of South African and foreign fans have also been robbed of hundreds of thousands of rands after buying tickets that were later cancelled because they were not bought through Fifa accredited agents.

Clifford Green, a lawyer acting for Fifa and its hospitality affiliate Match, confirmed he had this week handed over a dossier of affidavits from seven companies, outlining their huge losses.

Sasol Oil—one of Sasol’s business units—was invoiced by a ticketing company for R3,3-million.

It had bought 110 tickets, for among others, the group games, the two semifinals, and the final.

The company also paid for VIP hospitality services at matches including meals and drinks.

Fifa this week named Norwegian company Euroteam which operates several websites, as one of the companies selling tickets illegally. - Sapa