The world wide economic recession has affected many people.
But how will it influence sales of World Cup tickets, which go on sale this Friday?
FIFA is unsure how the global recession will affect World Cup tickets sales, but hopes to sell out every game for the competition in 2010.
"I'd be a very stupid person to say there will not be any effect on the World Cup from the global recession but the problem is we don't know just how big an impact it will have on the World Cup," David Will, chairman of the FIFA's World Cup ticketing committee, told a media briefing.
"The footballing public are a very peculiar group and they might not be too bothered about the global recession or even losing their jobs to go and follow their teams at the World Cup. It is our aim to sell every ticket in every stadium for every match."
From a total stock of around three million tickets, some 740,000 will be available for purchase during a first sales phase that runs until April 15.
Tickets will be sold through FIFA's website and in South Africa through bank branches.
MY POV: I know the recession has affected my ability to purchase tickets at the present time. But hopefully that will change soon, what with a stimulus package being passed in the United States government just hours ago.
Still, one has to wonder about the affect the recession will have. South Africa is very far away from the hotbed of World Cup soccer, Europe. How many people will purchase tickets to an event far, far away when they can sit in the comfort of their own home and watch the matches for a mere pittance?
Of course, there's nothing like being there - live - for an event. And this promises to be an 'Event' with a capital E. I'm just unsure who's going to be able to go. Or more importantly, will the common man (Joe 6-Pack as they call him in the States) be able to make their way to the world's biggest sporting event?
In my case? By hook or by crook.
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