2010: half-a-million ticket bookings
11 March 2009
More than half-a-million ticket applications for the 2010 Fifa World Cup have been made by people in over 140 countries since tickets went on sale on 20 February, the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) reports.
"This excludes hard paper applications made by South African residents at FNB branches," the LOC said in a statement last week.
"The tremendous response is extremely exciting and gives us a great deal of confidence," LOC chairman Irvin Khoza said, adding that it was now even more important to ensure the success of the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup, which kicks off in less than 100 days.
"As the tournament approaches, we will continue to promote the tournament vigorously and ensure all South Africans embrace this exciting World Cup appetiser", Khoza said.
Preparations for Fifa's "Festival of Continental Champions" have entered their crucial phase, and formed the major topic of discussion at the LOC's latest board meeting in Johannesburg last week.
Fifa secretary-general Jerome Valcke, who attended the meeting, said: "Now it's only about delivery. We cannot move the kick-off, we can't say 'sorry, there's going to be a delay."
'Perfect time for 2010 dress-rehearsal'
Valcke said the Confederations Cup came at a perfect time to rehearse operations for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
The continental showdown, which kicks off at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 14 June with a match between South Africa and Asian champions Iraq, will be an important test of South Africa's infrastructure and operational plans for 2010, from security and stadium access control to transportation.
With a cumulative TV audience of more than 9-billion people in more than 140 countries, the Confederations Cup - comprising 16 matches in two weeks - is not only a World Cup dress-rehearsal, but a major international sports event in its own right.
South African football fans are encouraged to buy their tickets for the Confederations Cup online at Fifa.com or via paper application forms at FNB's 700 countrywide branches.
"We're looking forward to seeing entertaining teams such as Spain, Brazil and Italy as well as all the other great teams," Khoza said. "It will be football at its best, live right here in South Africa in June."
SAinfo reporter
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