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September 25, 2009 in Top Stories
FIFA has vowed to crack down on websites selling fake World Cup tickets, 100 websites globally have been shut down so far ahead of the world cup in South Africa next year.
The world soccer body said it is working with police internationally to stop the scourge as the demand for tickets increase ahead of the premier soccer showcase.
“While genuine tickets are sold online exclusively via the official website FIFA.com, unscrupulous individuals are taking advantage of the great appeal of this event by trying to use the internet to sell tickets they do not possess,” FIFA said in a statement.
FIFA and its ticket handling partner MATCH are warning consumers about any unauthorised ticket sales and the risk of purchasing fake tickets, which would result in the buyers not being able to access the stadium.
“FIFA would like to recall that one of the measures taken to prevent forgery will be to print the official match tickets only a few weeks before the event in South Africa in 2010.”
One example of the cooperation between FIFA and the authorities is the great support received from the Police Central e-Crime Unit of New Scotland Yard in the United Kingdom in the fight against unauthorised ticket resellers operating via the web.
“Our work with New Scotland Yard is yet another example that we are taking serious steps to stop unauthorised entities from selling 2010 FIFA World Cup tickets.
“We applaud the work of New Scotland Yard in its efforts to ensure that our common goal to target and shut down illegitimate and unauthorised ticket sellers is achieved. We simply cannot accept that true fans are being cheated in this way,” said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.
Amongst the 100 websites that have been shut down, 20 of them where operating from England.
Many unauthorised operators are exploiting the popularity of the FIFA World Cup to lure unsuspecting fans across the world into purchasing illegitimate or unauthorised tickets and/or ticket-inclusive travel packages.
FIFA is committed to supporting all fans in their efforts to purchase authentic tickets and ticket-inclusive travel packages through safe and legitimate sources.
“Fans who are set to travel to South Africa can obtain tickets via FIFA.com, through inclusive travel packages from Participating Tour Operators selected by FIFA, and by buying FIFA-approved hospitality packages.
“MATCH Hospitality is the only entity which can offer guaranteed match tickets coupled with stadium hospitality benefits,” FIFA said.
Comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding match tickets as well as the list of the appointed tour operators and MATCH Hospitality sales agents can be found on FIFA.com.
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