2010 World Cup Tickets Go On Sale

The first batch of tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa are due to go on sale as Africa prepares to host the contest for the first time.

Around 3m tickets will be available for the 64 matches, which start next June. In the first sales phase, applications for tickets will be followed by a random selection draw in April.

Some 120,000 cheaper tickets are being reserved for South African residents, and 40,000 stadium construction workers are to be given free access to matches.

Although the tournament does not begin for 475 days, there has been concern in some quarters that the construction work for the World Cup is behind schedule – reports that FIFA has vehemently denied.

With at least 400,000 fans expected in South Africa next year, the organising committee has been busy upgrading stadiums and airports while policing will also be improved.

FIFA has said it expects every single match of the tournament will be sold out.