Jail May Await Suspected Soccer Scalper

The hospitality firm exec accused of ticket-scalping during the last World Cup has returned to Brazil to face the possibility of a trial.

Photo: AP Photo

Ray Whelan of Match Services, FIFA’s hospitality and ticketing partner, was arrested on suspicion of selling VIP packages for the global soccer tournament.

A statement from Match Services Dec. 5 said Whelan had returned to Brazil to report to judicial officials. He denies the charges against him and Match Services says it trusts the Brazilian justice system will in due course fully exonerate him. Whelan was originally arrested July 14, the day after Germany defeated Argentina in the World Cup final, but in August was allowed to leave jail and subsequently left Brazil.

However, on Nov. 28, Brazil’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling that allowed Whelan to be released from jail. Brazilian police had put wiretaps on Whelan’s phone and recorded him speaking about selling tickets. The company has said Whelan tried to sell the tickets, including VIP packages, at official prices amounting to about $25,000. Selling tickets at prices beyond face value is illegal in Brazil. So far no date has been set for Whelan’s trial.

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