FIFA launches tickets sale from supermarkets

South African fans will be able to snap up half a million unsold World Cup tickets in cash after FIFA agreed yesterday to drop a ruling that they could only be bought online or through a ballot procedure.

The final phase of sales for the month-long tournament beginning in June will see ticket selling points in shopping malls in the nine host cities plus a network of popular supermarkets.

Tickets are still available for all 64 matches except the final at Soccer City in Johannesburg on July 11.

It will be the first time fans can buy 2010 finals tickets over the counter in cash - the preferred method of purchasing for South African football fans, many of whom are on low incomes.

FIFA had previously insisted on selling tickets through its website on the Internet or in a complicated ballot procedure at a local bank branch.

Many South Africans complained the process excluded people without web access, credit cards or the disposable income to pay for their tickets months in advance.

Ticket prices are well above normal for top-level football in South Africa.

A special category of tickets for residents of South Africa sells at $20 but costs escalate drastically in higher categories for better seats and after the first-round group phase.

Tickets for premier seats at the final costs $900.