World Cup 2014: Fifa delays announcement of ticket prices

Published on: 02 July 2013
World Cup 2014: Fifa delays announcement of ticket prices
FIFA


Powered by Guardian.co.ukThis article titled "World Cup 2014: Fifa delays announcement of ticket prices" was written by Stuart James, for The Guardian on Monday 1st July 2013 21.45 UTC

Fifa shelved plans to announce ticket prices for the 2014 World Cup finals on Monday on the back of another night of protests in Brazil, where violent clashes outside the Maracanã stadium marred the Confederations Cup final. World Cup organisers had been due to reveal the pricing structure for next summer's tournament but it was announced at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro that this would now take place later in the month.

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.

Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, predicted that the 2014 World Cup would be "outstanding" and declared the Confederations Cup a success, despite the public unrest in Brazil. Outside the Maracanã Stadium on Sunday night, where Brazil defeated Spain 3-0, police used tear gas and rubber bullets.

Blatter said: "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."

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