World Cup hospitality packages blocked amid scalping probe

RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters) – Three companies have had their World Cup corporate hospitality packages blocked and another firm has had theirs cancelled as Brazilian police investigate VIP ticket scalping.

Match Hospitality, a Swiss agency which holds exclusive rights to the World Cup hospitality programme, said it cancelled all packages purchased by Atlanta Sportif after their CEO, Lamine Fofana, was among 11 people arrested last week on suspicion of leading a scalping ring.

Packages held by Reliance Industries Ltd, Jet Set Sports and Pamodzi were blocked after tickets with their names were found in Fofana’s possession, Match Hospitality said.

“(They) are to cooperate with Match Hospitality by helping the authorities with their enquiries regarding the hospitality packages with their names on them found in Mr. Fofana’s possession,” said Match.

“Failing that, Match Hospitality will cancel their tickets for the semi-final and the final.”