FIFA revealed that the six cities scheduled to host the 2013 Confederations Cup are confirmed, according to Leandro Canônico of GLOBO ESPORTE. The Arena Pernambuco in Recife, which has been "heavily criticized" by FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke, is guaranteed along with Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza and Salvador. The tournament will take place from June 15-30. It will mark the "first time that the event is held across six cities in one country." FIFA also revealed the price of tickets, which will be divided in four categories. Ticket prices will range from R$28.50 ($14) to R$418 ($205). The cheapest tickets are part of category 4, which is reserved only for Brazilians. Overall, 830,000 tickets will be available for the 16 games (GLOBO ESPORTE, 11/8). LANCENET.com.br's Vessoni & Salata reported that the draw for the group stage of the tournament will be held in São Paulo on Dec. 1. Besides Brazil, six national team have already qualified: Spain, Italy, Uruguay, Japan, Mexico and Tahiti. The country representing Africa will be revealed in February once the Africa Cup of Nations has taken place (LANCENET.com.br, 11/8).
MORE TICKET INFO: FIFA revealed that all tickets will go on sale Dec. 3. During this first sales phase, at least 50,000 category 4 tickets will be offered to Brazilian residents. Students, people over the age of 60 and recipients of the social program Bolsa Familia will be entitled to receive a 50% discount on the ticket face value. Furthermore, elderly people (over-60s) residing in Brazil will be entitled to receive a 50% discount for category 1-3 tickets. In addition, a certain allocation of category 1-3 tickets will be exclusively offered to Visa card holders worldwide in a pre-sale phase from Nov. 21-30. Fans will be able to either buy up to six individual tickets for a maximum of 10 matches or purchase a maximum of six specific series comprising several matches in one venue. For the group stage, tickets for int'l supporters will be sold in U.S. dollars for anywhere between $60 and $140 subject to the category, and tickets for Brazilians will be sold in Brazilian reals ranging from R$57 ($30) in category 4 to R$266 ($130) in category 1 (FIFA).
