/ 19 February 2009

Roll up: World Cup tickets on sale on Friday

Ticket sales for the Soccer World Cup will open on Friday, Fifa said on Thursday.

”We hope that you will come and enjoy the game!” said Fifa secretary general Jérôme Valcke.

”The fervour is already palpable within South Africa and all around the world: everyone wants to take part in this extraordinary event.”

The first phase of ticket sales would take place between February 20 from 1pm and March 31.

SA residents can register by filling in ticket application forms at First National Bank branches. They will then receive a card in exchange for an amount equal to that of the ticket they applied for.

”Our ticketing policy has been drawn up to reflect our determination to ensure that Fifa’s flagship competition is accessible to all football fans,” said Valcke.

”We have strived to give everyone a fair and equal chance to access a ticket, so that all people around the world have a possibility to enjoy the wonderful celebration that we will have next year,” added Danny Jordaan, local organising committee CEO.

Applicants who register correctly by the end of the first sales period will have an equal opportunity to obtain tickets, as this sales phase is not on a first-come, first-served basis.

On April 15, a draw will be conducted to determine which applicants receive tickets for oversubscribed matches.

More information on ticket sales can be obtained on Fifa’s website. – Sapa