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08.07.2014 World Cup

In the dock: Match Services chief arrested in World Cup ticketing probe

08.07.2014 LISTEN
By Allsports.com.gh

Match Services is a partner company of football's world governing body Fifa. Last week, police held 11 people as part of the investigation. Police have claimed that the gang could have earned as much as $90m (€66m) per tournament and could have operated at four World Cups. Tickets, computers, cash, mobile phones and documents were seized last week as part of the probe.

FIFA said that it 'continues to fully collaborate with the local authorities and will provide any details requested to assist with this ongoing investigation'.

The governing body added: 'FIFA wants to reiterate as mentioned at various occasions its firm stance against any form of violation of the criminal law and the ticketing regulations, and is fully supporting the security authorities in our joint efforts to clamp down on any unauthorised ticket sales.'

On Tuesday afternoon, Match said: "Ray Whelan has been released from police custody and will assist the police with further enquiries. Match have complete faith that the facts will establish that he has not violated any laws. Match will continue to fully support all police investigations, which we firmly believe will fully exonerate Ray. In the meantime, Ray Whelan, as well as the rest of the Match personnel will continue to work on our operational areas of responsibility in order to deliver a successful 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil."

According to the Associated Press news agency, Match Services has suspended sales of remaining World Cup ticket allocations through four companies - two of which are official Match Services agents.

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