Trading during World Cup allowed

The protocol routes - the main transport routes to the stadium - are unaffected by advertising rights agreements, says FIFA media relations manager Delia Fischer. “There are no restrictions on the use of external advertising space. Companies along the route do not need to cover company logos on their buildings. The protocol routes will be decorated in FIFA World Cup livery by the respective city and the OC (Organizing Committee) solely for the purpose of welcoming guests.”

There will, however, be “exclusion zones” in the immediate area around each stadium – this will be a controlled area designated by each host city, in consultation with FIFA and the OC.”In these areas no alternative events should take place on match days and the day before a match to ensure the seamless organisation of FIFA World Cup fixtures,” says Fischer. “Certain additional advertising and sales activities should also not take place on these days.”

“In regards to advertising in newspapers, as well as commerce in general, it is business as usual, as long as they do not use 2010 marks (e.g. the logo) or create any association with the event. So generic football advertising can happen,” responded Fischer.

FIFA has also issued a warning about fake match tickets being sold on the internet – genuine tickets are only sold online via the FIFA site or in SA, FNB outlets, and will only be printed next year shortly before the World Cup. Any other tickets sold via the internet are fake and will not allow buyers entry into games.