Draw Prompts 2010 Ticket Rush

According to world football governing body FIFA, applications for World Cup tickets have surged following the draw for next year’s tournament with almost 222,000 made in the 48 hours since the final phase of ticket sales opened.

Around one million tickets were made available in the latest phase following last week’s draw in Cape Town when the groups for the 32-team finals were decided.

A statement from FIFA said there had been a sudden increase in applications following the draw. Ticket applications can be made until 22nd January after which a lottery will decide the successful fans.

South African organisers have made repeated appeals to locals to buy tickets, fearing that residents will be outnumbered by foreign fans.

South African residents have bought just over half of the 674,403 tickets sold in the first two phases of sales.
Tickets are being sold over the internet or at local bank branches in South Africa.