FIFA to Investigate Empty Seats

One fourth of the seats were left unfilled during the Algeria vs. Slovenia World Cup game in Polokwane. FIFA is investigating why the sold seats remained empty. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Only three days after the start of 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is investigating the transport and ticket distribution system after thousands of sold seats were left empty, South African media reported on Monday.

The opening match between South Africa and Mexico in Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday had an official attendance of 84,490 people, a new record for the country. Nevertheless, this was about 10,000 seats short of the 94,000 fans expected given the large block of no-shows.

On Sunday, about one-quarter of the seats were empty during the Algeria versus Slovenia game in Polokwane; on Saturday, 8,000 ticketholders did not show up during South Korea versus Greece in Port Elizabeth.

“It looked like a lot of people did not show up at the stadium. We are investigating this,” said FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot at a press conference in Johannesburg.

FIFA has struggled to sell tickets for matches to the three most remote venues among the 10 hosting cities.

The transportation for these groups was not adequate he said, but “We are making sure this is not the case for other games.”