By Andrew Warshaw
September 30 – Two months after becoming embroiled in a much-publicised ticketing controversy at the World Cup, FIFA’s long-established marketing affiliate Match has been given a vote of confidence to maintain its relationship with world football’s governing body.
The arrest of Match consultant Ray Whelan and 11 others over allegations of ticket touting prompted unwanted publicity for UK-based Mexican brothers Enrique and Jaime Byrom who run the group of Match companies.
Back in July, Jaime Byrom told Insideworldfootball that since Whelan, who worked on the hospitality side, had done nothing wrong and was the victim of a misunderstanding – no trial has yet taken place – he was confident the issue would not affect future contracts with FIFA in the areas of accommodation, hospitality, ticketing and IT services.
FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke has now appeared to back that up.
“The work delivered by Match with running our ticketing operation was perfect work, remarkable in fact,” said Valcke, “when you consider the losses they faced in 2010.”
” As long as there is no judgment, then there are no reasons for us not to work with the company which has done a very good job.
“There is no reason not to extend the agreement based on commercial and financial aspects as confirmed by the finance committee and the executive committee.
“From my side I would have no problem extending (the contracts for) Match Hospitality on the basis of the work they have done.”
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