By Andrew Warshaw
October 22 – Match Hospitality, the exclusive rights holder of FIFA’s hospitality programme, says unauthorised companies are trying to jump on board to sell packages for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and has promised “Vigorous action” to protect its name.
The unidentified companies are trying to exploit the “unprecedented interest” in the tournament, says Match Hospitality, which has warned fans to make sure they are dealing with licensed agents.
“Over the past months, a number of companies falsely claiming to sell packages of the Official Hospitality Programme have been reported to our Rights Protection Department,” said Pascal Portes, chief operating officer of Match Hospitality.
“Customers making purchases from unauthorised sources will be extremely disappointed in 2014 when they do not receive their ticket-inclusive packages and we appeal to everyone wishing to experience the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil to verify that they are dealing with an agent of Match Hospitality.”
Match has created a global network of agents to market and sell the FIFA Hospitality Programme on its behalf.
The network now consists of more than 36 agents covering 68 countries worldwide.
“We would like to emphasise that only those Sales Agents officially appointed by Match Hospitality, either on an exclusive, co-exclusive or non-exclusive basis, are entitled to market and sell the products and services of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Hospitality Programme,” Portes added.
“We are committed to protecting our agents and will work with Governmental authorities in Brazil and consumer protection authorities elsewhere and take action against unauthorised companies infringing these rights.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734900781labto1734900781ofdlr1734900781owedi1734900781sni@w1734900781ahsra1734900781w.wer1734900781dna1734900781