FIFA Postpones World Cup Ticket Price Announcement Amid Protests

FIFA have postponed its plans to reveal the cost of tickets for the 2014 World Cup amid the continued protests against the tournament in Brazil.

World Cup organisers had earmarked Monday for the announcement about ticket prices for next year’s tournament but have now postponed the press conference in Rio de Janeiro until later in July after protests continued in the aftermath of Brazil’s 3-0 Confederations Cup final triumph over Spain. 

Brazilians have been demonstrating in huge numbers throughout the Confederations Cup as they question the amount being spent on hosting the World Cup, money which many feel could be better used elsewhere to improve the country’s infrastructure. 

Although Jérôme Valcke, Fifa’s secretary general, claimed the decision to postpone the announcement until 19 July was down to logistical reasons, many will question whether the demonstrations that have taken place in Brazil about the lack of investment in public services at a time when so much money is being spent on hosting the World Cup, forced Fifa to change strategy.

“We want to look at all the issues we have faced at the Confederations Cup,” Valcke said. “We want to avoid having 10,000 tickets that are not collected two days prior to the game.” Valcke added that there would not be a “big difference” in pricing from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where match tickets ranged from £14 (for local residents only) to £630.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter insisted next year’s World Cup would be “outstanding”, despite the series of violent clashes between police and protesters, including the firing of tear gas and rubber bullets outside the Maracana Stadium on Sunday. 

Blatter told a news conference: “Thanks to all those who have helped to make this competition such a success, despite the unrest and protests. 

“I am happy to come to the conclusion now, with the sporting results and also – with at least the impression that – the social unrest is now resting. I don’t know how long but it is now resting. 

“I am sure that we will have a wonderful World Cup next year. When you have the World Cup and the Olympic Games you can never make everybody happy. We tried to make everyone happy.” 

Jose Maria Marin, president of the Brazilian football confederation, condemned those who have used violence as part of their protests, saying: “Any peaceful demonstration must be respected … it is part of democracy. I will not accept robbery and violence and mobs – nobody wants this kind of thing.”

Tickets to be Cheapest Ever

FIFA also said that Brazil would sell cheapest-ever tickets for next year’s World Cup.

Valcke hinted that 70% of the matches this time will cost less as compared to the previous events.

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