Fifa has distanced itself from ticketing scams that sold fake tickets to soccer fans, leaving them frustrated at various stadiums across the country.
At a media briefing in Johannesburg on Sunday, Fifa spokesperson Nicolas Maingot said fans had been warned in advance not to buy tickets from service providers who were not accredited with the
organisation.
This comes after a number of fans were denied access to various stadiums after it was discovered that their tickets were not legit.
“We have published many warnings since 2006 that people who want to buy tickets should go buy tickets through Fifa channels,” Maingot said.
He also pleaded with the media to spread the message and warn fans to steer clear of people selling fake tickets.
Fans who want to buy or re-sell their tickets should go to any First National Bank branch, Shorprite and Checkers supermarkets and Fifa centres. Fans could also call 083-123-2010 to verify the status of their tickets or change any details on them.
The ticketing scams have also swindled more than R6,5-million from a number of local companies, such as petrochemicals giant Sasol.
The Sunday Times reported that a ticketing firm invoiced Sasol Oil — a Sasol business unit — for R3,3-million. The company had paid for 110 tickets for the two semifinals and the final. It also paid for VIP hospitality services at matches, including meals and drinks.
Clifford Green, a lawyer acting for Fifa and its hospitality affiliate Match, confirmed to the Sunday Times that this week, he had handed over a dossier of affidavits from seven companies, outlining their huge losses. – Sapa