A special team from FIFA's Legal Affairs Division is working closely with international authorities to monitor the internet for such illegal offers and to take action to combat them. One example is the support received from the Police Central e-Crime Unit of New Scotland Yard in the UK in the fight against unauthorised ticket resellers operating via the web. As part of a major operation orchestrated by the unit targeting all unauthorised online football ticket resellers, New Scotland Yard is shutting down websites selling unauthorised 2010 FIFA World Cup match tickets in violation of UK anti-touting laws.
“Our work with New Scotland Yard is yet another example that we are taking serious steps to stop unauthorised entities from selling tickets. We applaud it 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,” remarked FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke.
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.
Fans travelling 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.
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 www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index.html.
