Names on world Cup tickets
Interesting angle from Ballter here. Looks like the Germans were serious about names on tickets. FIFA make noises every time but never carry through the threat. Looks like the Germans took them at their word this time.
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slu...ters&type=lgns
FIFA tackling ticket concerns
By Tim Collings
ZURICH, April 25 (Reuters) - Little more than six weeks before the start of the World Cup finals, FIFA said on Tuesday they were still hoping to resolve potential ticketing problems in talks with hosts Germany.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter admitted there were causes for concern, particularly over the issue of 'transferred' tickets and potential security problems.
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"There needs to be some talking and we need to find some flexibility on this issue," Blatter told reporters when asked about problems arising if a ticket-holder gave, or sold, his ticket to a family member or friend.
The German host organisers have demanded that all ticket-holders present identification at the stadium to prove that they are the same people as those whose names and identity appear on the tickets.
"It is a problem between the German interior ministry on the one side and the other people on the other," said FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi.
Linsi pointed out that there would be serious problems outside the stadiums if fans turned up with tickets but incorrect identification at the security gates.
On racist behaviour, Blatter said FIFA would do everything possible to encourage fans to behave properly and from the quarter-finals team captains would broadcast a message in the stadium asking for discipline and respect.
Blatter repeated his view on Monday's ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in relation to FIFA's differences with WADA, the world anti-doping agency.
He believed the ruling endorsed FIFA's position as correct and generally in line with Swiss law.
On football's progress after his 30 years with FIFA, Blatter said he was happy with the game at international and grass roots level but not with the professional club game in Europe.
He criticised G14, the European clubs organisation, but felt they had no chance of winning any of the three court actions in which they are involved in in Belgium, France and Switzerland.