More South Africans have applied for tickets to the 2010 Fifa World Cup than any other nation, Fifa said on Friday.
The country which had thus far submitted the largest number of applications for tickets to the upcoming sporting spectacular was South Africa followed by the United Kingdom and the United States, it said in a statement.
Applications for the 743 000 world cup 2010 tickets available in this phase had been received from 160 countries worldwide. Those interested in applying for tickets in the first phase had just five more days to do so, Fifa said.
“We have had a phenomenal response from football fans around the world. We do expect a last-minute rush over the next few days to submit applications to beat the 31 March deadline, in particular in South Africa,” said Fifa secretary general Jérôme Valcke.
“This is the best chance to secure a 2010 world cup ticket at an early stage, so as not to miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of the first Fifa World Cup on African soil.”
Half of the ticket applications made so far were for the Team Specific Series which allowed fans to follow their team of choice as it progressed through the tournament.
“We are very excited to have passed the one million mark for ticket applications for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The interest in South Africa and around the world has been incredible,” said Danny Jordaan, chief executive officer of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee South Africa.
Fans have until midnight March 31 to apply for tickets.
All applicants would know by the end of April 2009 at the latest whether they have been successful or not.
The second sales period begins on May 4, 2009 and will be open until 16 November.
Tickets would then be allocated on a “first come, first served, subject to availability”. – Sapa
