Well-heeled fans can expect to fork out R1m

Sy Lerman

It is a chance in a million for South African football fans to witness the forthcoming World Cup extravaganza in Russia, but it could also cost a million – quite literally.

This was revealed yesterday by official Fifa agent Nazeer Camaradien, who has organised packages for South Africans to attend World Cup tournaments during a period of over 30 years.

Camaradien has already signed up more than 250 fans to make the trip to Russia this year.

And, in explaining what is involved in a zealous and enthusiastic climate, he said he had witnessed sky-rocketing prices on the trips to Russia he had undertaken recently.

“At the top level,” he said, “hotels are charging as much as R28 000 a night and overall travel costs can vary from between R15 000 and R50 000 – depending on the length of stay, which can amount to a week or so or more than for 30 days for the World Cup, as well as match tickets.

“Calculating this,” added Camaradien, “and those in the millionaire bracket could be forking out more than R1 million for the privilege of witnessing the pinnacle event in world football.

“Of course,” added Fifa’s agent, “at the other end of the scale, we are able to offer trips at a fraction of this amount – and watching the games and the trip as a whole can be as memorable.”

Meanwhile, Safa public relations head Dominic Chimhavi announced his body would definitely be sending a delegation to Russia for the World Cup and to attend Fifa’s congress.