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FIFA World Cup partner faces antitrust probe

Xinhua, August 17, 2013

• The company responsible for 2014 World Cup ticketing and accommodation has been accused of uncompetitive behavior by Brazil's public prosecutor's office.

  MATCH Services AG, an official FIFA partner, is operating a ticket sales "monopoly", a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office was quoted telling media on Friday.

  The Zurich-based company has also acquired "considerable market power" over hotel availability due to its ability to reserve rooms in advance, the complaint said.

  Brazil's antitrust watchdog, CADE, says it will analyze the complaint before deciding whether to launch an official investigation.

  According to Brazilian tourism agency Embratur, hotel rates will rise as much as 600% during the month-long event, beginning June 12 next year.

  Rio de Janeiro, which will host the final on July 13, is the most expensive city with daily hotel prices averaging 461 US dollars.

  MATCH and FIFA were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.

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