"If Ticket Sales Don't Work, You Can Kick Me", says FIFA's Head

06/14/2013 - 08h36

FIFA general secretary, Jérôme Valcke, admitted that the ticket sales system is the main bottleneck for the 2014 World Cup.

"It is shameful for FIFA. It should not be happening. I'm talking about learning, FIFA being professional, what we tell people about the World Cup organization, etc.. I'm not proud."

He joked with his own statement, back in 2012, when he said Brazil needed a 'kick in the rear' to accelerate the work.

"When ticket sales start on August 20 for the World Cup, the system needs to work for everyone. If a meltdown happens and the system fails, then you can kick me as well", he said.

Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke poses during a visit to the construction site of the National Stadium

The French leader, however, also remembered that more than 200,000 tickets sold for the Confederations Cup still has not been picked up by fans. "If we are having a big party, we recognize that we all have something to do. And, for Brazilians, is to pick up the tickets now. And not wait until the day of the game. The rest, it is going well," he said.

"The Confederations Cup will take place, the stadiums are beautiful [...] People are working 24/7, which is necessary during such competition. Yet without this type of commitment from LOC, FIFA and host cities, it could potentially be a problem. "

But he did warn about the deadline of the other six other stadiums that are still under construction for the World Cup next year.

"For the World Cup, is not possible to get the stadium in May. It is technically impossible," said the leader. "We are asking a lot for the delivery of the other six stadiums so that people understand that it takes time. We can't do things last minute."

Translated by SIMONE PALMA

Read the article in the original language