Over two million tickets so far sold for 2010 FIFA World Cup

Accra, Feb. 17, GNA - A representative of Match Events Services, Mr Pascal Portes has given the assurance that there are enough tickets available for intending fans for the 2010 South FIFA World Cup and that over two million tickets of various categories have so far been sold out. He said the ticket sales has been extended to May this year with Online sales and paper application forms available for fans who have no easy access to internet facilities.

Mr Portes, who said this at a press briefing on the 2010 FIFA World Cup presentation in Accra on Monday, explained that the sales would be on first-come first-serve basis and called on interested fans to contact accredited FIFA Tour Operators for the necessary directives.

He explained that the Black Stars- Germany opening match would cost 2,328 dollars while all the Ghana Group matches would cost 4000 dollars including air ticket, accommodation and transportation.

Abedi Pele Ayew, FIFA Football Committee member said Africa is blessed to showcase to the whole world, the highest level and the soccer prowess of the continent following the successful hosting of the Under 20 in Egypt, Under-17 in Nigeria and FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. He said it is therefore a challenge to the whole of Africa to ensure a successful tournament and to prove that the continent deserves to host the Mundial and called for collective support for the success of the big event which must be accomplished.

Abedi Pele said the presence of fans and the press forms an integral part of the game of football and it for the media to showcase the sport as the passion that must meet the people's demand and attention. "It is the greatest thing we have ever had on the African continent and we must congratulate members of FIFA for a good work done by ensuring that the World Cup is being hosted for the first time on African soil". He noted that members of Africa's ex footballers are impressed with the performance of the new crop of players who have shown that they have matured and are genuine replacement of the talents and are poised to make the necessary impact.

Anthony Baffoe, a former Black Stars player and international football icon said former footballers who plied their trade abroad are impressed with the continued exploits of such players as Didier Drogba, Micheal Essien, Samuel Eto'o Fils, Frederick Kanoute, Rigobert Song, Mikel Obi and others who have continued to carry the African torch high.

He said it is gratifying that Africa players are no more bench warmers but play integral roles in their clubs and predicted that Ghana has the chance of progressing at least to the semi-finals.

Randy Abbey, a management member of the Ghana Football Association said football is not only a passion of the country but it is also more than a religion or belief and that most Ghanaians and the African continent believe it is Africa's time and cannot wait for the beginning of the Mundial to show case the African talent.