About 320 000 tickets – out of a total of 640 000 – had been sold for the FIFA Confederations Cup by the end of last month.

The kick-off takes place at Coca-Cola Park, in Johannesburg, on June 14, with the hosts, South Africa, playing Asian champions Iraq.
Of the ticket sales, 55% (175 000) were 
requested by corporate clients and South Africans have bought 95%.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke told a media briefing in Johannesburg that the world governing body was pleased with the ticket sales.

“After opening the ticket sales for the Con-federations Cup to the corporate market two months ago, we are happy with the feedback from the local business community. 
“We do hope that with the opening of ticket centres, we will have a similar positive response from the general public,” said Valcke.

The ticket sales centres are in Sandton, in Johannesburg; Rustenburg, in the North West; Mangaung, in Bloemfontein; and Pretoria.

The centres officially opened for business at the beginning of May and 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) CEO Danny Jordaan believes that the over-the-counter 
tickets sales will make it easier for football supporters to obtain tickets.

“By simplifying the process, we are certain South Africans will now find it easier to pur-chase their tickets and we hope this will create the necessary demand to sell out all matches for the tournament,” stressed Jordaan.

He added that the LOC wanted to ensure that as many South African football fans got to witness world-class football at the Confederations Cup while, in distinct African fashion, 
ensuring that the event is unique and an unforgettable experience.

Jordaan also said that contrary to media speculations about whether the elections were going to affect preparations for the Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cupo, they did not affect any plans and were free and fair.

“By conducting successful elections, South Africa has demonstrated the 
extent to which its democracy has deepened and matured since 1994.”

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.