World Cup Tickets To Go On Sale Tuesday

Football Federation Australia announced today that their allocation of tickets for the Socceroos matches at the 2006 FIFA World Cup would go on sale from 9am AEDST Tuesday 20 December.

Football Federation Australia announced today that their allocation of tickets for the Socceroos matches at the 2006 FIFA World Cup would go on sale from 9am AEDST Tuesday 20 December and at the same time sent out a strong warning to people that they would be risking huge disappointment if they bought tickets or packages elsewhere. As a competing nation at the tournament the FFA has been appointed as the only official Australian source of FIFA World Cup tickets and tours for Australian matches and already some travel operators are offering packages with no guarantee of match tickets. Official ticket packages with travel and accommodation if required will be available to be applied for from Tuesday with full information on packages available to be viewed now online. Click here to view information. Applicants will be required to download an application form via www.footballaustralia.com.au which will be made available from 9am AEDST on Monday 19 December, and return the completed form by email, fax or mail from 9am AEDST Tuesday 20 December. Applications received prior to 9am AEDST Tuesday 20 December will not be processed. Tickets and packages will be processed on a first-come first-served basis after 9am AEDST Tuesday 20 December. The offer closes on 31 December 2005. This process and these dates represent a slight adjustment to previously published information. This has been made in order to ease expected pressure in light of apparent larger than expected demand, and to accommodate FIFA approvals. Approximately 8,500 ticket packages across Australia's three group stage matches, plus 12-night travel and accommodation programs if required, will go on sale starting from as little as $1,970 plus flights. FFA CEO Mr John O'Neill said that buying through the FFA was the best way to ensure guaranteed tickets, accommodation and travel. "Since qualifying we have worked hard with FIFA in a short period of time to turn around a travel program which aims to cater for the various needs of supporters wanting a world cup experience," said Mr O'Neill. "Travel and accommodation to and within Germany will be in high demand, and FFA packages will include all transfers plus exclusive benefits including access to current and past Socceroos." "It will also ensure that Australian fans are sitting together.  Those that buy from outside this program may find themselves sitting with opposition fans - or on the street!" "Whether you want the full five-star treatment or budget camping and hostel arrangements, the options are there for everyone." Special value-added benefits, including tours hosted by former national team players Frank Farina and Robbie Slater, city tours, functions and access to Socceroos training are also available only through the official FFA program. "The FFA has put together some great options for all fans who want to cheer Australia on at the tournament," said Mr Farina. "Demand will be huge as it is the biggest sporting event in the world and the chance to see the Socceroos play Brazil at a World Cup will be truly a memorable life experience." Mr Slater backed the program and encouraged fans to buy through this official channel. "The FFA has worked hard to have a fair system in place that guarantees tickets, travel and accommodation to Australian sports fans," said Mr Slater. "It's going to be such a great event to attend and I'd hate to think that people will have their experience ruined because they bought through a different avenue and ended up without tickets." FFA access to tickets for the second round of the tournament and beyond is dependent on Australia qualifying.  As per FIFA rules applicants can speculatively book these match tickets/packages now and must pay up front. Costs of tickets will be refunded in the event that Australia does not progress. FFA is working closely with the Local Organising Committee in an attempt to secure additional tickets at a later date.