Ticket Offices Use "TV Prank" Story To Con World Cup Fans

A ticket office in South Africa is under investigation by FIFA for apparently trying to rip off World Cup fans by claiming they're part of a hidden camera TV show.

South African Pierre Barker tried to collect tickets he had previously bought for himself and his two sons ahead of yesterday afternoon's clash between USA and Algeria. However, on reaching the office he was told he had waited too long to claim the passes and they'd been ‘withdrawn' by FIFA, with the only option being to buy new seats at £122 each.

Mr Barker told Independent Online:

"I put my foot down and said I have my confirmation number with me and want to speak to the manager. He then said the manager had left for the game and that I was out of options."

Proving nothing will stand in the way of a man and his World Cup tickets, Barker refused to leave without the goods, until one staff member made an odd revelation — he actually a ‘part-time actor' and Pierre was the unwitting star of a particularly unfunny episode of Beadle's About:

"He told me it was all a comedy stunt, and that he was just joking around. I was extremely annoyed. I'd like to give the guy the benefit of the doubt and say it was a joke, but then it would still be completely inappropriate and unprofessional."

After finally getting his hands on the passes and making his way home, Barker returned to the store to lodge a formal complaint… and saw the same ‘prank' being pulled on another tourist. FIFA have since announced they're stepping in to officially investigate the incident.

This post, written by Josh Burt, is republished with permission from The Spoiler. Go there often if you like soccer stuff.