Johannesberg, February 20: World governing soccer body FIFA slashed World Cup tournament ticket prices for South Africans to ensure stadiums were full during matches, reports said yesterday.
At least 30 per cent of the three million tickets, costing up to 840 South African rand ($122) each, were to be sold to the local population for only 140 rand ($20.30), South African newspaper the Saturday Star reported.
The cheapest level of tickets, reserved exclusively for South Africans, were also to increase in number.
FIFA’s decision comes after fears the tournament would be poorly attended amid heightened security concerns.
Concerns escalated after the Togo soccer team were attacked on January 8 during the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Hooded gunmen opened fire on the team’s bus, killing three people – the assistant coach, squad spokesman and bus driver.
On Thursday, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was worried that ticket prices were scaring away fans.
Approximately 450,000 international fans were expected to visit the country for the June 11 to July 11 event.
—Agencies