Follow the United States at the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) by Purchasing Tickets with Visa

12/04/2009


SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 04, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Following today's Final Draw of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM), the United States' Men's National Team's opening matches have been set and fans who want to follow the team throughout the tournament can purchase tickets now through FIFA with their Visa card.

"Now that the opening matches have been set, the thrill and the excitement of the FIFA World Cup(TM) is closer than ever," said Richelle Parham, Head of Global Marketing Services of Visa Inc. "To help get fans closer to the excitement of those matches, Visa is committed to enhancing the football fans' FIFA World Cup(TM) experience by making sure they are fully prepared and informed about the various ways they can attain tickets to the tournament."

"Now that the draw is complete the real excitement begins," said Landon Donovan, Captain of the U.S. Men's Soccer National Team. "Our first match against England should be an epic, and we hope to see a lot of support from American fans in South Africa."

For those who wish to join their team in South Africa, there are multiple ways to purchase tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM).

1. By participating in FIFA's Third Ticket Sales Phase (December 5, 2009 - January 22, 2010). Learn more by visiting https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index.html

2. Tickets can be purchased through FIFA's Tour Operators Program at one of more than 50 participating tour operators. A full list of official participating tour operators can be found at https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index.html

3. Through MATCH Hospitality, FIFA's worldwide exclusive Official Hospitality Programmme provider for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM). Hospitality Packages including match tickets are sold for all 64 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) matches.

4. For fans looking to follow their country during the duration of the event, there is a Team Specific Ticket Series packages available for purchase.

For all methods of purchase, tickets are subject to availability.

Corporate customers can purchase hospitality packages that include a 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) match ticket with certain onsite match-day hospitality services which may include food, beverages and preferential parking. Travel and accommodation are not included in the hospitality packages but they are available upon request. Customers can learn more about hospitality packages by visiting https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index.html.

VISA AND EMIRATES AIRLINE FINAL MATCH PROMOTION:

Visa has also created an exclusive opportunity for those passionate and lucky football fans whose team advances to the FIFA World Cup(TM) Final Match. Visa and Emirates Airline are offering Visa Signature cardholders an exclusive five (5) percent discount on FIFA World Cup(TM) Final Match packages when they book through Emirates Airline at https://www.emirates.com/english/book/special-offers/. A total of 100 (two person) packages are being offered worldwide and will remain available until February 28, 2010, or until packages sell out. Each package includes roundtrip airfare from an Emirates gateway city (economy, business or first class) via Dubai to Johannesburg and two Category 1 match tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Final Match at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. To ensure Visa cardholders have the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the FIFA World Cup(TM) experience, additional package amenities include: transportation to/from the airport and hotel, and a three night hotel stay. For terms and conditions, please visit https://www.emirates.com/english/book/special-offers/.

Be cautious of unauthorized operators claiming to sell tickets to the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM). Tickets to the tournament can only be sold by companies who are commercially affiliated with FIFA including official FIFA Sponsors and Commercial Affiliates. More information can be found by visiting the Authorized Ticket Sales Channel page on FIFA.com: https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/authorisedticket.html.

TOURISM:

For more information on accommodations, travel or sites to see while visiting South Africa, fans can visit South Africa's official tourism website, https://www.southafrica.net/.

VISA AND FIFA:

Visa is the preferred card for the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) and Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards will be the only payment cards accepted, along with cash, at all FIFA venues and the onsite stadium merchandise booths.

Visa's partnership with FIFA links the world's leading payment brand, and football, the world's leading sport, and creates business building opportunities for its partners and financial institution clients. Visa has been a FIFA Partner since 2007, with global rights to a broad range of FIFA events and competitions such as the FIFA World Cup(TM), the FIFA Women's World Cup(TM), FIFA Confederations Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the FIFA Interactive World Cup, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Editors Note

To view and download Visa FIFA images, videos and assets, visit https://www.thenewsmarket.com/global.

About Visa

Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable digital currency. Underpinning digital currency is one of the world's most advanced processing networks--VisaNet--that is capable of handling more than 10,000 transactions a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank, and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: Pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visit https://usa.visa.com/about-visa.html.

SOURCE: Visa

Visa Inc.
Nancy Panter, 650-432-1454
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Fleishman-Hillard for Visa Inc.
Matt Faust, 415-318-4216
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