Football's governing body, FIFA, will open 19 more South African ticket distribution centres in a bid to make World Cup tickets easily available to local soccer fans. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other senior FIFA officials briefed Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Sport today. 

Over and above the 19 new distribution centres in host cities and at major airports, FNB branches will continue to sell tickets. The good news for soccer fans is tickets are expected to be available over the counter by mid-April. Executive chairperson of Match Services company, Jaime Byrom, has urged people to go out there and check availability of tickets. 

Byrom says there are still tickets available for several interesting games. He also says some Category 4 tickets are still up for grabs. The LOC was quick to quash reports that there is little or no interest from local soccer supporters, with chairperson Danny Jordaan saying in FIFA history, South Africa has managed to secure the most tickets in Category 4. 

Members of Parliament made an undertaking that they will personally promote the tournament among their constituencies.