Seoul, 8 June 2002 - Commenting on certain ticket problems that have occurred at the beginning of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has stressed that FIFA was also not happy with the situation and also regretted these difficulties.

"But now all parties involved have worked hard to solve the problem," Blatter added, "and we can say that the situation is under control at the present time. We now look positively forward to the rest of the World Cup."

The President's statement followed a meeting held in Sapporo before the match Argentina - England on 7 June, attended by the FIFA Senior Vice-President Julio Grondona, Executive Committee member and Chairman of the Ticketing Sub-Committee, David Will, as well as FIFA General Secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen and the World Cup Coordination Director Peter Velappan.

"With the measures taken at the earlier meetings on 3 and 5 June, we are now on top of the situation", said David Will. "However, we will investigate why some seats were left empty despite the fact that they have been sold."

See also the two FIFA media release issued on this topic on 3 June and 5 June 2002.

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FIFA Communications Division
Seoul, 8 June 2002