FIFA have stated that they are not worried about the lagging demand of World Cup tickets for this summer’s tournament in South Africa. There have been reports that FIFA are willing to ‘give away’ tickets to South African’s in an attempt to fill stadiums. World Cup organisers also slammed critics of the tournament who insist that South Africa’s crime rate will be a major problem.
Danny Jordaan, CEO of the local organising committee was quoted as saying “Since the draw (on December 4), we have seen a flurry in terms of ticket sales … the sales have gone very well, we are extremely delighted,” . FIFA has reported that 1.2 million applications were received for tickets from over 190 countries during the third phase of sales that ended last week, bringing applications to around two million for the total of three million seats. However, there has been great interest amongest South Africans, which was a major concern for FIFA, with almost one million applications, nearly 80 percent of the total, in the latest sales phase ahead of the month-long event starting on June 11.
Jerome Valcke, FIFA General Secretary, said a shortage of flights to South Africa and their high cost is a problem but he was quick to condemn media reports that were questioning the host country’s high levels of crime, and transport and communication problems. He went onto add “It’s sad that every morning when you wake up people are saying you should not go to South Africa … it’s insane and it is completely wrong,” Valcke said, referring to recent reports particularly in England and Germany. Every country had security issues, including the United States and Britain. Where can we organise the World Cup? On the moon? Where there is no-one? Don’t kill the World Cup before the World Cup has taken place.” Obviously the questions marks being raised at holding the World Cup outside of Europe and South America are getting to FIFA a little.
