INTERNATIONAL FANS AT the 2014 FIFA World Cup will have to pay at least €68 to secure tickets for the group stage matches.
FIFA announced today that the first batch of tickets are due to be released on 20 August at 11am.
Approximately three million tickets for the showpiece event in Brazil are to be made available across three phases, the first of which takes place from 20 August until 10 October this year.
However, overseas supporters will have to pay a hefty price if they want to witness the action at the tournament, which runs from 12 June to 13 July next year. Prices for tickets in category three, the cheapest seats available to fans from outside Brazil, start at $90 (€68) for 47 of the group stage encounters, while those wanting to attend the opening match of the competition will have to pay at least $220 (€167).
Category two tickets are priced at $135 (€102), and fans hoping to secure the best vantage point will need to pay $175 (€133). The announcement from the governing body comes after public protests in Brazil against the cost of hosting to the event. Brazilians will at least have access to discounted tickets, with prices starting at $15 (11.40) for 47 of the 48 group stage games for students, over-60s and members of the Bolsa Familia social welfare programme.
Category four tickets, the cheapest tickets for the competition, have been reserved solely for Brazilian residents. The second sales phase runs from 8 December 2013 until April 1 2014, with final sales taking place from 15 April.
Tickets for the final, which is to be hosted at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on 13 July, start at $440 (€334) for international fans.
