FIFA, police target fake World Cup tickets

* FIFA warns against fake internet World Cup tickets

* Many illegal websites already shut down (adds details)

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 25 (Reuters) - FIFA is working with police forces globally to crack down on internet sales of fake tickets for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, soccer’s governing body said on Friday.

Unauthorised websites are already being closed down as demand grows for tickets for the finals, kicking off on June 11.

FIFA said one example of its co-operation with the police was the “great support” it had received from the Police Central e-Crime Unit of New Scotland Yard in London in the fight against unauthorised ticket resellers operating via the web.

As part of a major operation, FIFA said New Scotland Yard was shutting down websites selling unauthorised tickets.

“Our work with New Scotland Yard is yet another example that we are taking serious steps to stop unauthorised entities from selling 2010 FIFA World Cup tickets,” FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said in a statement.

“We applaud the work of New Scotland Yard in its efforts to ensure that our common goal to target and shut down illegitimate and unauthorised ticket sellers is achieved. We simply cannot accept that true fans are being cheated in this way.”

SITES SHUT

The Times newspaper in England reported on Friday that 100 sites had been shut so far, 20 of them based in England.

FIFA expects between 450,000 and 500,000 fans to visit South Africa for the finals for which fears about safety and personal security have long been an issue.

“Many unauthorised operators are exploiting the popularity of the FIFA World Cup to lure unsuspecting fans across the world into purchasing illegitimate or unauthorised tickets and/or ticket-inclusive travel packages,” said FIFA, which is selling tickets through its own website.

A special team from FIFA’s legal affairs department was working closely with international authorities in South Africa and other countries to monitor the internet and take action against fake offers, it said.

“FIFA and its ticket handling partner MATCH are warning consumers about any unauthorised ticket sales and the risk of purchasing fake tickets, which would result in the buyers not being able to access the stadium,” FIFA said.

Tickets will only be printed a few weeks before the tournament. (Additional reporting by Mike Collett in London) (Reporting by Gordon Bell, Editing by N.Ananthanarayanan. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)