Wednesday, 10 June

2026 FIFA World Cup: GFA warns public against unauthorised ticket and hospitality packages

Sports News
FIFA World Cup 2026 official mascots

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has cautioned football supporters, stakeholders and the general public against engaging with a company alleged to be selling FIFA World Cup 2026-related packages without authorisation from FIFA.

In a statement, the GFA said it had received formal communication from lawyers representing FIFA regarding the activities of a company operating under the name Match Experience Hospitality (MEH), located at F43/6 Labone Crescent, Accra.

According to FIFA, the company has been promoting, advertising and selling purported World Cup ticketing, hospitality and travel packages without official authorisation, accreditation or endorsement from FIFA or its designated commercial partners.

FIFA's legal representatives stated that Match Experience Hospitality is not an authorised FIFA ticketing or hospitality partner and has not been granted any rights connected to the tournament's commercial, marketing or intellectual property programmes.

The GFA therefore advised the public to exercise caution, stressing that any engagement or financial transaction with the company or its associated platforms is undertaken at the individual's own risk.

According to the communication from FIFA, the activities in question may amount to ambush marketing and could mislead football fans, sponsors and other stakeholders while undermining FIFA's commercial structures.

The statement further disclosed that FIFA has petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the matter and has also issued public disclaimers to alert supporters.

At FIFA's request, the GFA said it is bringing the matter to the attention of the public, advising supporters to be cautious when purchasing World Cup-related packages and encouraging the use of official FIFA ticketing and hospitality channels.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of football operations in Ghana and safeguarding supporters from unauthorised or potentially fraudulent commercial activities linked to FIFA competitions.

The GFA added that it will continue to work with FIFA and the relevant authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken and to protect the interests of the Ghanaian football community.

Source: classfmonline.com