FIFA Dismisses Low Sales for Confederations Cup

Sales for the Confederations Cup are low, prompting some concern about the success of the tournament, seen as a test run before the World Cup main event in 2010. Sales for the World Cup, however, are high since tickets became available in February -- mainly due to a large international demand from countries such as the United States and England.

Officials in South Africa proposed plans on Tuesday to sell group tickets to companies and fan clubs in an attempt to boost interest in the Confederations Cup, the test event for 2010.

"We have one concern about the Confederations Cup and that is the ticketing," Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke told reporters after soccer's governing body held an executive committee meeting."

"Valcke said two thirds of the World Cup tickets had gone to the international market, with fans in the United States and England buying the most."

"Demand will pick up further once fans know which teams have qualified and following December's draw."

"The global financial crisis has yet to cause any major disruption to South Africa's plans. World Cups generate 95 percent of Fifa's revenues."

Source:
Fifa plays down 2010 World Cup ticket
Independent Online
March 20 2009