The governing body of world football, FIFA, could face an inquiry from the European Commission following complaints from liberal members of the European Parliament concerning the second batch of ticket sales for FIFA World Cup Germany 2006.

MEP’s Toine Manders, and Alexander Graf Lambsdorff from the European Parliament’s political group the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) have accused FIFA of “abusing its monopoly.” They are supported in their allegations by the German consumer association.

According to the MEP’s, FIFA is demanding payment for tickets sold in the second allocation, which ran between the 2nd and 30th of November, even though the purchasers will not be guaranteed a ticket. The conditional sales offer gives fans the chance of receiving any tickets returned by national associations, sponsors or partners.

The two specific complaints raised by the MEP’s are:

1. All applicants are required to pay for their tickets in advance, regardless of whether they receive one; and this they won’t know until the final allocation is completed in February 2006.

2. Any applicant not receiving a ticket will only be reimbursed following the completion of the tournament in July 2006.

The EC’s department for competition is investigating the allegations, and Commission competition spokesman Jonathon Todd told a media briefing, “This issue was brought to our attention by more than one member of the European Parliament. We don’t yet have any conclusions. We are actively pursuing the matter.”

It has also been reported that applicants have to pay a non-refundable charge of 5 euros, irrespective of whether they receive a ticket. Unsuccessful applicants will only be refunded the face value of the match ticket.

Applications for tickets earlier this year, during the first allocation, were oversubscribed by some 10 to 1. However, on that occasion, only fans successful in their efforts were charged for a ticket.

The Commission has already forced the competition organisers to change a ticket selling process alleged to favour credit card giant Mastercard, one of the tournament sponsors.

FIFA has yet to respond to the latest accusations.

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