FIFA to open internet portal for World Cup tickets

The German World Cup organising committee (OC) said that they would open an internet portal to enable people to resell World Cup tickets.

In a statement issued by the OC, they said that the online platform, which will be run in co-operation with FIFA, is scheduled to be online from 1 February 2006.

“99.9% of those holding tickets will move heaven and earth to attend World Cup matches in person, but we are nevertheless keeping our promise to offer a service-oriented and unbureaucratic solution for those few who cannot,” OC senior vice-president Horst R. Schmidt said.

The organisation said that the portal will give fans an opportunity to sell tickets by legal means at face value.

“This benefits honest and genuine fans by eliminating inflated prices. The aim is to restrict the black market to the absolute minimum,” Schmidt said.

“Another vital factor is to keep sales and transfers open and fair. The internet allows everybody to become involved.”

He added that there was also a possibility to transfer tickets to another person. (dpa)