1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,507 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from Newstalk ZB. 3 00:00:12,787 --> 00:00:15,107 Speaker 2: The All Whites twenty twenty six feet of World Cup 4 00:00:15,147 --> 00:00:18,547 Speaker 2: Paul play schedule has been confirmed. They'll play Iran in 5 00:00:18,627 --> 00:00:23,267 Speaker 2: Los Angeles and Egypt and Belgium in Vancouver. So how 6 00:00:23,347 --> 00:00:26,987 Speaker 2: easy or not are tickets to get and what will 7 00:00:26,987 --> 00:00:30,267 Speaker 2: they cost? Matt Fijos is the founder of the Flying 8 00:00:30,347 --> 00:00:34,187 Speaker 2: Kiwi's FC supporters group. He joins me in studio. Let's 9 00:00:34,187 --> 00:00:36,067 Speaker 2: start with the group. Matt, you're happy with the teams 10 00:00:36,067 --> 00:00:37,587 Speaker 2: that the All Whites have been drawn against. 11 00:00:38,307 --> 00:00:40,667 Speaker 3: Yeah, happy for us in terms of the teams that 12 00:00:40,667 --> 00:00:44,467 Speaker 3: there's one, of course, really strong team, but there's two 13 00:00:44,507 --> 00:00:46,347 Speaker 3: other games that you know, we can go in and 14 00:00:46,347 --> 00:00:48,787 Speaker 3: have a go at and you only need really by 15 00:00:48,827 --> 00:00:50,987 Speaker 3: my maths, I think three points will get you through 16 00:00:51,027 --> 00:00:54,187 Speaker 3: as one of the best place third, which is new 17 00:00:54,227 --> 00:00:55,187 Speaker 3: with the forty eight teams. 18 00:00:55,227 --> 00:00:59,467 Speaker 2: Indeed. All right, so how do traveling New Zealand football 19 00:00:59,507 --> 00:01:03,627 Speaker 2: fans access tickets to these games? A very broad question 20 00:01:03,747 --> 00:01:07,907 Speaker 2: to start with people listening they think about going. What's 21 00:01:07,947 --> 00:01:10,667 Speaker 2: the situation with getting tickets to these games? 22 00:01:10,987 --> 00:01:15,427 Speaker 3: Great? So generally the FIFA dot Com have a ballot 23 00:01:15,627 --> 00:01:17,867 Speaker 3: that anybody can enter from around the world. So that's 24 00:01:17,907 --> 00:01:20,827 Speaker 3: where a lot of this fear of loss drives people, 25 00:01:21,107 --> 00:01:24,027 Speaker 3: because they've already reported that they've had five million applications 26 00:01:24,067 --> 00:01:25,947 Speaker 3: within the first I think it was twenty four hours. 27 00:01:26,547 --> 00:01:29,747 Speaker 3: So that's for all fans from anywhere who for example, 28 00:01:29,787 --> 00:01:32,307 Speaker 3: if there's I don't know, a Brazil game or Argentina 29 00:01:32,427 --> 00:01:35,387 Speaker 3: or Spain or England, you know, there'll be fans from 30 00:01:35,547 --> 00:01:37,307 Speaker 3: around the world that would want to apply for them. 31 00:01:38,107 --> 00:01:41,387 Speaker 3: And this small piece of hope and soul in this 32 00:01:41,667 --> 00:01:46,907 Speaker 3: is about eight percent of sealable tickets which get the 33 00:01:46,987 --> 00:01:50,747 Speaker 3: allocation of them gets controlled by the member association by 34 00:01:50,747 --> 00:01:53,787 Speaker 3: the country that is playing, So for New Zealand, that's 35 00:01:53,827 --> 00:01:56,107 Speaker 3: New Zealand Football and I think that's one of the 36 00:01:56,187 --> 00:01:59,227 Speaker 3: most positive things here. And something that I've been planning 37 00:01:59,267 --> 00:02:03,067 Speaker 3: and thinking about for quite a while is that, you know, 38 00:02:03,147 --> 00:02:07,067 Speaker 3: four thousand fans from New Zealand roughly doing the maths 39 00:02:07,107 --> 00:02:10,947 Speaker 3: on that allocation seems like it, you know, there'd be 40 00:02:10,987 --> 00:02:12,507 Speaker 3: a lot. I don't think we're going to have tens 41 00:02:12,507 --> 00:02:15,307 Speaker 3: of thousands of applications. It sounds like there's more applications 42 00:02:15,347 --> 00:02:20,227 Speaker 3: than tickets. However, going through FIFA and the general ballot 43 00:02:20,227 --> 00:02:22,747 Speaker 3: with the whole world, there's a lot lower chance of tickets. 44 00:02:22,747 --> 00:02:25,747 Speaker 3: There was five times the applications to tickets back in 45 00:02:25,827 --> 00:02:28,387 Speaker 3: twenty twenty two, so that's a good chance because we're 46 00:02:28,427 --> 00:02:30,307 Speaker 3: a small country that we still get the same eight 47 00:02:30,347 --> 00:02:34,467 Speaker 3: percent that England do. But England have a big travel 48 00:02:34,507 --> 00:02:36,787 Speaker 3: club of fans that go and watch all the games 49 00:02:36,827 --> 00:02:39,627 Speaker 3: in between and earn points to get there. Ours is 50 00:02:39,627 --> 00:02:42,107 Speaker 3: literally you can jump on any hour and how it 51 00:02:42,147 --> 00:02:44,467 Speaker 3: will close I think later this evening. But New Zealand 52 00:02:44,467 --> 00:02:46,867 Speaker 3: Football just have an open form that you can fill 53 00:02:46,907 --> 00:02:49,947 Speaker 3: out in about twelve seconds with no cost, which means 54 00:02:49,987 --> 00:02:51,787 Speaker 3: that all keywisks can get in the ballot and have 55 00:02:51,827 --> 00:02:54,027 Speaker 3: a and have a good chance, which is great all right. 56 00:02:54,067 --> 00:02:57,067 Speaker 2: So that's not committing you to buying a ticket. That's 57 00:02:57,107 --> 00:02:58,787 Speaker 2: just saying, hey, I'm interested, I want to go into 58 00:02:58,827 --> 00:03:01,907 Speaker 2: the ballot, as you say, for one or more of 59 00:03:01,947 --> 00:03:05,107 Speaker 2: the seats in the eight percent allocation that New Zealand 60 00:03:05,107 --> 00:03:08,787 Speaker 2: Football get. Say, the odds see much better than competing 61 00:03:08,787 --> 00:03:11,587 Speaker 2: against the whole world, because I guess some people will 62 00:03:11,627 --> 00:03:14,547 Speaker 2: just just apply for tickets to any game, won't they 63 00:03:14,667 --> 00:03:16,747 Speaker 2: if they live in Los Angeles for example, I'll go 64 00:03:16,787 --> 00:03:20,307 Speaker 2: along to watch you know whoever's playing at so far stadium. 65 00:03:20,387 --> 00:03:22,987 Speaker 2: So let's come into the I mean, should New Zealand 66 00:03:23,027 --> 00:03:24,947 Speaker 2: fans enter both have a bit of chance or are 67 00:03:24,987 --> 00:03:27,907 Speaker 2: you is your suggestion the New Zealand football one. Really 68 00:03:27,947 --> 00:03:29,107 Speaker 2: first you. 69 00:03:29,107 --> 00:03:31,547 Speaker 3: Have to be careful applying for bolt both. So they 70 00:03:31,587 --> 00:03:33,667 Speaker 3: have what they call a household rule, which means that 71 00:03:34,107 --> 00:03:36,587 Speaker 3: if somebody has already applied through FEFA dot Com through 72 00:03:36,587 --> 00:03:41,907 Speaker 3: the general ballot, then they can't also apply through Newsland Football, 73 00:03:41,907 --> 00:03:44,987 Speaker 3: So that would get denied down the line through New 74 00:03:45,027 --> 00:03:47,187 Speaker 3: Zealand Football. So people need to be aware and very 75 00:03:47,227 --> 00:03:51,387 Speaker 3: careful of that. And yeah, it's up to them about 76 00:03:53,267 --> 00:03:55,827 Speaker 3: thinking how to how to do that and work their 77 00:03:55,867 --> 00:03:56,547 Speaker 3: way around that. 78 00:03:56,707 --> 00:03:59,747 Speaker 2: So your advice, I think for New Zealand people listening 79 00:03:59,827 --> 00:04:02,427 Speaker 2: is to go in the New Zealand football ballot. That 80 00:04:02,907 --> 00:04:06,227 Speaker 2: seems to be the highest id right to get take 81 00:04:06,987 --> 00:04:09,107 Speaker 2: to one or more of these games if they're thinking 82 00:04:09,107 --> 00:04:12,507 Speaker 2: of traveling. If they are successful in getting a ticket 83 00:04:12,507 --> 00:04:15,827 Speaker 2: in the New Zealand ballot, are all those seats together. 84 00:04:16,947 --> 00:04:19,507 Speaker 3: Yeah, so that's the good thing. Again I almost refer 85 00:04:19,547 --> 00:04:21,427 Speaker 3: to as the small soul of football left because the 86 00:04:21,467 --> 00:04:23,947 Speaker 3: rest it is literally out to you know, this high 87 00:04:24,027 --> 00:04:28,227 Speaker 3: prices the world market, and then they're legitimized scoping because 88 00:04:28,267 --> 00:04:33,267 Speaker 3: the official FIFA third party resale platform has no price 89 00:04:33,307 --> 00:04:36,907 Speaker 3: limit and FIFA will take thirty percent total, fifteen percent 90 00:04:36,947 --> 00:04:39,347 Speaker 3: off each they say to make it sound a little 91 00:04:39,347 --> 00:04:40,147 Speaker 3: bit nicer. 92 00:04:39,867 --> 00:04:42,347 Speaker 2: So people can buy a ticket. Anyone in the world 93 00:04:42,427 --> 00:04:45,307 Speaker 2: can buy a ticket and have no real intention of 94 00:04:45,347 --> 00:04:47,307 Speaker 2: going to the game and then put it on FIFA's 95 00:04:47,347 --> 00:04:52,427 Speaker 2: own ticket resale exchange platform and ask anything they like 96 00:04:52,547 --> 00:04:52,867 Speaker 2: for it. 97 00:04:53,387 --> 00:04:57,467 Speaker 3: Yeah wow, yeah, ye, But yeah, in terms of the 98 00:04:57,467 --> 00:05:01,907 Speaker 3: New Zealand tickets within that, I'm not sure if the 99 00:05:02,027 --> 00:05:07,027 Speaker 3: rules change with that about transferring or selling, but yeah, 100 00:05:07,067 --> 00:05:09,387 Speaker 3: it would certainly. If you think of games in the 101 00:05:09,387 --> 00:05:13,107 Speaker 3: Premier League, for example, it's almost unsafe to turn up 102 00:05:13,107 --> 00:05:15,067 Speaker 3: in the wrong place with the wrong shirt on, or 103 00:05:15,107 --> 00:05:17,747 Speaker 3: even if you know you're a fan of the wrong team. Yeah, 104 00:05:17,947 --> 00:05:19,907 Speaker 3: you know when fans turn up in home ends because 105 00:05:19,907 --> 00:05:23,587 Speaker 3: it's easier to get a ticket, for example. So yeah, 106 00:05:23,667 --> 00:05:28,947 Speaker 3: that's something that we, I guess are aware of. And 107 00:05:28,987 --> 00:05:32,027 Speaker 3: there's a I guess a trust that he was wanting 108 00:05:32,067 --> 00:05:32,267 Speaker 3: to go. 109 00:05:32,787 --> 00:05:35,147 Speaker 2: Will there be a limit on the number of tickets 110 00:05:35,187 --> 00:05:37,387 Speaker 2: one person can buy to each game. 111 00:05:37,667 --> 00:05:40,467 Speaker 3: Yeah, so it's up to four tickets per per person 112 00:05:40,907 --> 00:05:44,147 Speaker 3: and forty tickets for the tournament. But I say that 113 00:05:44,187 --> 00:05:46,107 Speaker 3: with a big smile, because who's got that money on 114 00:05:46,147 --> 00:05:50,707 Speaker 3: their credit card to commit to those ticket prices times forty. 115 00:05:51,147 --> 00:05:53,867 Speaker 2: Well, let's talk about cost. There's been a lot of 116 00:05:53,947 --> 00:05:56,427 Speaker 2: chat in the last a little while about about the 117 00:05:56,467 --> 00:05:59,507 Speaker 2: cost of tickets that I don't think have been officially 118 00:05:59,587 --> 00:06:01,467 Speaker 2: unveiled yet, but there have seemed to have been a 119 00:06:01,547 --> 00:06:06,347 Speaker 2: number of news sources who have talked about ticket prices. 120 00:06:06,467 --> 00:06:10,347 Speaker 2: Groups are calling this a monumental betrayal by FIFA. The 121 00:06:10,387 --> 00:06:13,907 Speaker 2: price is just beyond the reach of many genuine fans. 122 00:06:13,947 --> 00:06:15,907 Speaker 2: How much do you have an indication matter how much 123 00:06:16,587 --> 00:06:18,707 Speaker 2: a ticket to watch New Zealand And a group match 124 00:06:18,747 --> 00:06:19,947 Speaker 2: at the World Cup will cost. 125 00:06:20,147 --> 00:06:24,227 Speaker 3: Yes, and the general FIFA ballot. The pricings are there. 126 00:06:24,747 --> 00:06:29,027 Speaker 3: It's interesting that they vary by game based on the 127 00:06:29,067 --> 00:06:32,667 Speaker 3: predicted value I guess of largely the teams that are playing. Obviously, 128 00:06:32,707 --> 00:06:36,507 Speaker 3: so a Brazil game those higher prices I think, so Scotland, 129 00:06:36,627 --> 00:06:40,307 Speaker 3: I think at Brazil and the higher price level I 130 00:06:40,347 --> 00:06:43,027 Speaker 3: think is around seven or even eight hundred US up 131 00:06:43,107 --> 00:06:46,027 Speaker 3: to that high, whereas the New Zealand game on FIFA 132 00:06:46,107 --> 00:06:49,187 Speaker 3: dot Com on the general ballot, the lower cost looks 133 00:06:49,187 --> 00:06:51,667 Speaker 3: to be one forty to one eighty US. So the 134 00:06:51,667 --> 00:06:55,667 Speaker 3: Belgium game a little bit more expensive up to the 135 00:06:55,747 --> 00:06:58,827 Speaker 3: higher price point of four p fifty two five hundred 136 00:06:59,587 --> 00:07:00,507 Speaker 3: dollars US dollars. 137 00:07:00,667 --> 00:07:03,867 Speaker 2: Okay, so times what one point sixty one point seven 138 00:07:03,907 --> 00:07:07,467 Speaker 2: at the moment for New Zealand dollars they'reabouts not not 139 00:07:07,547 --> 00:07:09,227 Speaker 2: quite double, right, is that what we're talking? 140 00:07:09,747 --> 00:07:10,467 Speaker 3: Yeah? Exactly? 141 00:07:10,547 --> 00:07:14,547 Speaker 2: Okay, So how does that compare to previous World Cups? 142 00:07:14,547 --> 00:07:16,787 Speaker 2: It seems a lot more expensive than previous World Cups, 143 00:07:16,827 --> 00:07:18,627 Speaker 2: and in fact a lot more expensive than what was 144 00:07:18,627 --> 00:07:22,787 Speaker 2: indicated when these three countries bid to host the World Cup. 145 00:07:22,827 --> 00:07:24,827 Speaker 2: I think they had to give an indicative idea of 146 00:07:24,827 --> 00:07:27,227 Speaker 2: what tickets might be, and they were talking about tickets 147 00:07:27,227 --> 00:07:28,667 Speaker 2: for twenty thirty dollars US. 148 00:07:29,227 --> 00:07:32,587 Speaker 3: Yeah, and that's It's disappointing, isn't it that that there 149 00:07:32,627 --> 00:07:35,347 Speaker 3: can be these bid documents. What is the point if 150 00:07:35,387 --> 00:07:37,707 Speaker 3: it can change this much? And I guess it is 151 00:07:38,147 --> 00:07:40,147 Speaker 3: a few years. It might be eight years or so 152 00:07:40,147 --> 00:07:45,187 Speaker 3: since those documents to win the rights, but yeah, what's 153 00:07:45,227 --> 00:07:47,587 Speaker 3: the point of the You can't value or trust what's 154 00:07:47,627 --> 00:07:53,147 Speaker 3: written on that piece of paper. And for future bidding processes, yeah, 155 00:07:53,427 --> 00:07:54,627 Speaker 3: that is tough to take. 156 00:07:55,067 --> 00:07:58,387 Speaker 2: As we get closer to the games, will further tickets 157 00:07:58,427 --> 00:08:00,867 Speaker 2: be released back? I mean there's always tickets that don't 158 00:08:00,867 --> 00:08:04,067 Speaker 2: get picked up by sponsors, travel companies, whatever it is, 159 00:08:04,427 --> 00:08:09,547 Speaker 2: even international allocations. Will further tickets be released? Do you 160 00:08:09,587 --> 00:08:12,707 Speaker 2: think for these games? Closer to the games themselves. 161 00:08:12,667 --> 00:08:15,467 Speaker 3: There's usually a fourth phase, which is I think a 162 00:08:15,587 --> 00:08:18,147 Speaker 3: last minute they call it anyones that are left. I'm 163 00:08:18,147 --> 00:08:21,827 Speaker 3: not sure if they deliberately hold back a portion for those. 164 00:08:23,107 --> 00:08:25,867 Speaker 3: What's interesting and the process as well, is that there's 165 00:08:25,867 --> 00:08:30,267 Speaker 3: already been two phases before the draw, so that then, 166 00:08:30,307 --> 00:08:32,067 Speaker 3: as like you said earlier, someone who lives in the 167 00:08:32,067 --> 00:08:34,027 Speaker 3: host city can say that I want to go to 168 00:08:34,027 --> 00:08:36,627 Speaker 3: those games before they know the team. Sure, and we 169 00:08:36,627 --> 00:08:38,827 Speaker 3: were neutral fans in twenty fourteen, so we just went 170 00:08:38,867 --> 00:08:40,947 Speaker 3: for just random games and towns that we thought people 171 00:08:40,947 --> 00:08:43,907 Speaker 3: wouldn't go through as much and got games that way 172 00:08:43,907 --> 00:08:46,827 Speaker 3: and then found out later. So what's interesting is that 173 00:08:46,907 --> 00:08:50,547 Speaker 3: some people have gotten early for games and they've paid 174 00:08:50,707 --> 00:08:52,907 Speaker 3: higher than what those prices are now for the New 175 00:08:52,987 --> 00:08:55,107 Speaker 3: Zealand games. Is now that it's been drawn that it 176 00:08:55,187 --> 00:08:58,867 Speaker 3: might be New Zealand verse Iran that isn't the most 177 00:08:58,867 --> 00:09:03,427 Speaker 3: prolific game or most well known game in football, they've 178 00:09:03,467 --> 00:09:07,947 Speaker 3: paid more and so yeah, now they're actually cheaper now 179 00:09:07,947 --> 00:09:08,707 Speaker 3: that the teams are known. 180 00:09:08,907 --> 00:09:10,507 Speaker 2: Does that help us though? And that we are the 181 00:09:10,547 --> 00:09:12,907 Speaker 2: lowest ranked team at this tournament, you know, not a 182 00:09:12,987 --> 00:09:15,507 Speaker 2: high profile you know, as you say Iran, I want 183 00:09:15,507 --> 00:09:17,707 Speaker 2: to talk about Iran and Los Angeles in a minute actually, 184 00:09:17,707 --> 00:09:19,947 Speaker 2: but but you know, Iran, New Zealand on the face 185 00:09:19,947 --> 00:09:22,867 Speaker 2: of it isn't a high profile game, so there won't 186 00:09:22,867 --> 00:09:26,667 Speaker 2: be huge demand I guess globally for that game. So 187 00:09:26,947 --> 00:09:30,067 Speaker 2: does that help a traveling New Zealand fan or a 188 00:09:30,067 --> 00:09:32,467 Speaker 2: New Zealand fan looking for a ticket for that game 189 00:09:32,547 --> 00:09:34,347 Speaker 2: or for the game against Egypt for example. 190 00:09:34,947 --> 00:09:36,867 Speaker 3: For sure, I think like we're in such a unique 191 00:09:36,867 --> 00:09:39,467 Speaker 3: position that yes, we're a small country, so our allocation 192 00:09:40,107 --> 00:09:42,227 Speaker 3: will serve far more of our people wants to go. 193 00:09:42,587 --> 00:09:44,587 Speaker 3: So that's why the you know, the messaging is so 194 00:09:44,627 --> 00:09:48,347 Speaker 3: important that people realize the New Zealand football ballot is 195 00:09:48,347 --> 00:09:50,907 Speaker 3: an option. If not FIFA dot Com you might be 196 00:09:50,947 --> 00:09:52,947 Speaker 3: placed anywhere in the stadium and then you would be 197 00:09:52,987 --> 00:09:55,187 Speaker 3: there and see that section of the key Weson be 198 00:09:55,227 --> 00:09:57,147 Speaker 3: a little lost tray one up there somewhere crying. 199 00:09:57,347 --> 00:09:58,987 Speaker 2: That's that's the beauty of it, isn't it. You know, 200 00:09:59,027 --> 00:10:02,067 Speaker 2: that's the beauty of football fandom is being there with 201 00:10:02,347 --> 00:10:06,067 Speaker 2: others who are wearing the same colors as you, traveling away. 202 00:10:06,387 --> 00:10:07,867 Speaker 2: You've done this mat you know, You've been part of 203 00:10:07,867 --> 00:10:10,787 Speaker 2: the flying Kigwis and all sorts of places where often 204 00:10:10,787 --> 00:10:13,427 Speaker 2: there's just a little pocket of you. What is that 205 00:10:13,587 --> 00:10:17,267 Speaker 2: like in there supporting the all whites away from home 206 00:10:17,707 --> 00:10:20,707 Speaker 2: and a very small packet, a pocket of very passionate fans. 207 00:10:20,827 --> 00:10:22,347 Speaker 3: I'll give me ears on the back of my neck. 208 00:10:22,387 --> 00:10:25,307 Speaker 3: Actually when you explain it like that, because I think 209 00:10:25,307 --> 00:10:29,267 Speaker 3: sometimes it's misinterpreted that it's about safety and that animals 210 00:10:29,267 --> 00:10:31,227 Speaker 3: and they can't be separated, but it's actually about the 211 00:10:31,307 --> 00:10:33,867 Speaker 3: right to, like you've just described, enjoy the game together 212 00:10:34,227 --> 00:10:36,107 Speaker 3: and when you do that far from home, and for 213 00:10:36,147 --> 00:10:38,467 Speaker 3: New Zealand, we are the furthest from home. You know. 214 00:10:38,507 --> 00:10:40,467 Speaker 3: That's why I call us the most extreme away fans 215 00:10:40,467 --> 00:10:43,507 Speaker 3: in the world because the players are on the top 216 00:10:43,547 --> 00:10:46,027 Speaker 3: of those lists of the most traveled players. So our 217 00:10:46,067 --> 00:10:47,707 Speaker 3: fans for the World Cup, you know, are traveling the 218 00:10:47,747 --> 00:10:51,147 Speaker 3: biggest distances and live around the world. So yeah, when 219 00:10:51,187 --> 00:10:53,987 Speaker 3: you're able to do that, connected with the group and 220 00:10:54,027 --> 00:10:57,267 Speaker 3: you meet others, and when it's somewhere so Norway two 221 00:10:57,307 --> 00:10:59,787 Speaker 3: months ago. Now it was only a friendly but when 222 00:10:59,827 --> 00:11:02,907 Speaker 3: you get everyone there and you're staying in the same place, 223 00:11:02,907 --> 00:11:05,107 Speaker 3: there's a few days of breaking the ice, getting to 224 00:11:05,147 --> 00:11:08,707 Speaker 3: know each other. Yeah, it's what football is all about. 225 00:11:08,747 --> 00:11:13,187 Speaker 3: You're representing your people together in a land far far away. 226 00:11:13,267 --> 00:11:15,387 Speaker 3: It's a beautiful thing getting into the games. 227 00:11:15,427 --> 00:11:18,067 Speaker 2: One thing, what about accommodation flights things like that, our 228 00:11:18,107 --> 00:11:20,587 Speaker 2: accommodation price is likely to be hiked up in and 229 00:11:20,667 --> 00:11:22,067 Speaker 2: around these games, in these venues. 230 00:11:22,227 --> 00:11:24,787 Speaker 3: No, luckily people have been really fair and just kept 231 00:11:24,787 --> 00:11:26,627 Speaker 3: the same prices, and so it's going to be all good. 232 00:11:28,347 --> 00:11:30,747 Speaker 2: Wow, you almost kept a straight place. 233 00:11:31,147 --> 00:11:36,787 Speaker 3: You almost kept us interview over. No, there's charts, isn't 234 00:11:36,787 --> 00:11:39,547 Speaker 3: there of how much people have hiked up the prices. 235 00:11:40,067 --> 00:11:43,867 Speaker 3: And it's it's tough, isn't it, Because it's in some 236 00:11:43,907 --> 00:11:46,067 Speaker 3: ways it's the world we live in. But we know 237 00:11:46,147 --> 00:11:48,547 Speaker 3: that it's on some level. It's not right to just 238 00:11:49,427 --> 00:11:51,787 Speaker 3: you know, put the prices up so much that it 239 00:11:51,987 --> 00:11:54,307 Speaker 3: tests people, or to get the maximum price for someone 240 00:11:54,347 --> 00:11:56,667 Speaker 3: that has something of value and to exploit it to 241 00:11:56,707 --> 00:12:00,867 Speaker 3: the nth degree is tough and can fee for a 242 00:12:00,867 --> 00:12:03,707 Speaker 3: part of this from from the start, so the control 243 00:12:03,827 --> 00:12:07,827 Speaker 3: of the major hotel chains and the host cities FIFA 244 00:12:07,947 --> 00:12:10,867 Speaker 3: and from the start control and that supply, so a 245 00:12:10,907 --> 00:12:13,627 Speaker 3: lot of them are locked up in big travel companies overseas. 246 00:12:14,227 --> 00:12:16,787 Speaker 3: That then that we were getting quotes earlier on in 247 00:12:16,787 --> 00:12:19,867 Speaker 3: the air for four hundred US a night, which is 248 00:12:19,867 --> 00:12:22,987 Speaker 3: obviously ridiculous, but now when you look more into it, 249 00:12:22,987 --> 00:12:26,867 Speaker 3: it almost seems cheaper. I think that's people having to 250 00:12:26,947 --> 00:12:29,187 Speaker 3: buy in before they know where their team's playing and 251 00:12:29,187 --> 00:12:31,467 Speaker 3: buy in blindly because these big companies have access to 252 00:12:31,507 --> 00:12:35,307 Speaker 3: all sixteen cities. So yeah, now you can. Now you 253 00:12:35,307 --> 00:12:36,867 Speaker 3: can pay for more if you want to. 254 00:12:37,027 --> 00:12:39,667 Speaker 2: Founder of the Flying Kiwis FC supporters group, Matt fee 255 00:12:39,707 --> 00:12:42,547 Speaker 2: Jos's and studio talking next year's FIFA World Cup and 256 00:12:42,587 --> 00:12:46,027 Speaker 2: supporting the all whites over in the United States, and 257 00:12:46,147 --> 00:12:49,547 Speaker 2: I guess sports fans here are used to travel packages 258 00:12:49,587 --> 00:12:52,187 Speaker 2: as well, you know, typically with rugby, for example, if 259 00:12:52,227 --> 00:12:53,387 Speaker 2: you want to go and follow the All Blacks on 260 00:12:53,427 --> 00:12:56,387 Speaker 2: the Northern tour, you buy a package which is flights, accommodation, 261 00:12:56,467 --> 00:12:59,627 Speaker 2: match tickets and everything you need. Are there official travel 262 00:12:59,707 --> 00:13:03,187 Speaker 2: providers who will be selling packages to kiwis you know, 263 00:13:03,227 --> 00:13:06,267 Speaker 2: which include flights, accommodation and match tickets as well. 264 00:13:07,267 --> 00:13:10,947 Speaker 3: Yeah, of course, and usually Football have a relationship with 265 00:13:11,147 --> 00:13:13,787 Speaker 3: House of Travel, so naturally they will be selling and 266 00:13:13,827 --> 00:13:17,947 Speaker 3: wanting people to jump on those. Like you're say, for 267 00:13:17,987 --> 00:13:21,147 Speaker 3: people that have the budget of like twenty thousand almost 268 00:13:21,147 --> 00:13:24,427 Speaker 3: SEMs cheap. Now for the total budget again when we 269 00:13:24,507 --> 00:13:25,947 Speaker 3: were looking at it early on in the year. 270 00:13:26,387 --> 00:13:29,107 Speaker 2: So that's so sorry, Matt. That's twenty grand per person 271 00:13:29,507 --> 00:13:31,747 Speaker 2: to get there and back and to all three games 272 00:13:31,747 --> 00:13:33,347 Speaker 2: with flights, accommodation and tickets. 273 00:13:34,747 --> 00:13:38,147 Speaker 3: That's probably without international flights. Wow, early on and yeah 274 00:13:38,427 --> 00:13:41,147 Speaker 3: in the year when we're speaking to people that are 275 00:13:41,147 --> 00:13:42,347 Speaker 3: selling these things, so it could. 276 00:13:42,187 --> 00:13:43,747 Speaker 2: Be twenty five So it could be twenty five grand 277 00:13:43,747 --> 00:13:45,467 Speaker 2: per person that sort of thing, depending on where you're 278 00:13:45,467 --> 00:13:46,467 Speaker 2: coming from in New Zealand. 279 00:13:46,627 --> 00:13:49,027 Speaker 3: Yeah, which is wow, crazy money, isn't it. 280 00:13:49,027 --> 00:13:50,987 Speaker 2: It is? It's just beyond the reach, isn't it of 281 00:13:51,307 --> 00:13:55,547 Speaker 2: so many people? You talk before about other countries they 282 00:13:55,587 --> 00:13:59,147 Speaker 2: have similar ballots, but I know the England IFA, for example, 283 00:13:59,147 --> 00:14:01,747 Speaker 2: as you alluded to before, it's based on how many 284 00:14:01,787 --> 00:14:04,307 Speaker 2: games you've been to in the World Cup cycle, so 285 00:14:04,347 --> 00:14:06,827 Speaker 2: they reward loyalty. 286 00:14:06,867 --> 00:14:09,907 Speaker 3: Exactly, and I believe in that a lot. We're slightly 287 00:14:09,947 --> 00:14:13,267 Speaker 3: different in New Zealand that because we're growing, you know. 288 00:14:13,507 --> 00:14:15,987 Speaker 3: I do believe that also there should be some percentage 289 00:14:16,027 --> 00:14:20,427 Speaker 3: of that available for any New Zealander, but I guess 290 00:14:20,427 --> 00:14:24,147 Speaker 3: it's almost twofold to England. Then, yeah, the percentage wise, 291 00:14:24,227 --> 00:14:27,667 Speaker 3: the top seventy percent of attendance I guess over the 292 00:14:27,867 --> 00:14:31,307 Speaker 3: previous two year cycle that guaranteed. So it means that 293 00:14:31,387 --> 00:14:33,827 Speaker 3: before well, as soon as those teams are drawn out 294 00:14:33,867 --> 00:14:36,427 Speaker 3: of the draw and as soon as the games are 295 00:14:36,427 --> 00:14:39,587 Speaker 3: allocated to cities, those fans who have earned their way 296 00:14:39,587 --> 00:14:42,027 Speaker 3: there by probably going to about fifteen games in the 297 00:14:42,107 --> 00:14:45,547 Speaker 3: last two years home and away, they know they'll get 298 00:14:45,587 --> 00:14:49,067 Speaker 3: a ticket because they've fulfilled the criteria, and they'll be 299 00:14:49,147 --> 00:14:51,387 Speaker 3: visible what their banding is, what points they have, and 300 00:14:51,387 --> 00:14:54,027 Speaker 3: how many people, so then they can start booking their 301 00:14:54,147 --> 00:14:56,507 Speaker 3: travel and accommodation and have a better chance of getting there. 302 00:14:57,147 --> 00:15:00,347 Speaker 3: The sad thing with that this time is that the 303 00:15:00,427 --> 00:15:04,027 Speaker 3: prices are so high and they go exponentially up. I 304 00:15:05,187 --> 00:15:07,867 Speaker 3: think a final ticket last time was six or seven 305 00:15:07,947 --> 00:15:13,747 Speaker 3: hundred in Qatar for the cheapest, and now it's three thousand, 306 00:15:13,987 --> 00:15:17,507 Speaker 3: three or four thousand pounds, So when you add up, 307 00:15:17,627 --> 00:15:20,907 Speaker 3: that's exponentially that it goes up through the tournament. Now, 308 00:15:20,947 --> 00:15:23,387 Speaker 3: if a fan from a big country wants to attend 309 00:15:23,387 --> 00:15:26,627 Speaker 3: all those games, they have to pay that money upfront, 310 00:15:28,147 --> 00:15:31,667 Speaker 3: which again I think Ballpark was about seven thousand pounds, 311 00:15:31,707 --> 00:15:33,507 Speaker 3: which is a crazy amount of money to go to 312 00:15:34,227 --> 00:15:36,827 Speaker 3: what is now eight football games. But they have to 313 00:15:36,827 --> 00:15:39,547 Speaker 3: pay it upfront, and then if their team doesn't make it, 314 00:15:39,587 --> 00:15:42,147 Speaker 3: if they got knocked out in the sixteen, they would 315 00:15:42,147 --> 00:15:46,427 Speaker 3: get a refund after the tournament minus ten dollars charge. 316 00:15:46,467 --> 00:15:50,227 Speaker 2: I think, wow. Well, I mean, because that's the other 317 00:15:50,227 --> 00:15:52,467 Speaker 2: thing too. New Zealand could get out of this group, 318 00:15:52,907 --> 00:15:57,027 Speaker 2: as you said before, So then then what happens We 319 00:15:57,067 --> 00:16:00,507 Speaker 2: find out who we're playing, but more importantly where we 320 00:16:00,547 --> 00:16:03,667 Speaker 2: are playing, and then just the process then start again. 321 00:16:03,747 --> 00:16:05,507 Speaker 2: You're going to ballot for those tickets for. 322 00:16:05,427 --> 00:16:08,307 Speaker 3: Example, there, Yeah, it's a really good question. There's there's 323 00:16:08,747 --> 00:16:11,787 Speaker 3: that ticket product. I just described that England fans would 324 00:16:11,827 --> 00:16:14,347 Speaker 3: likely want to hop on because if you're an England fan, 325 00:16:14,787 --> 00:16:16,307 Speaker 3: I guess it might just go for the pool, but 326 00:16:16,747 --> 00:16:20,267 Speaker 3: you know, ultimately you want to be there to win there, 327 00:16:22,227 --> 00:16:23,907 Speaker 3: which they talk about a lot after them in their 328 00:16:23,947 --> 00:16:28,107 Speaker 3: team exactly. But yeah, so this follow your team package, 329 00:16:28,667 --> 00:16:31,707 Speaker 3: even with the leasst prices. Half of our guys want 330 00:16:31,747 --> 00:16:35,147 Speaker 3: to to follow your team for the round of thirty two, 331 00:16:35,187 --> 00:16:39,027 Speaker 3: So apply for the four games and then yeah, when 332 00:16:39,027 --> 00:16:42,147 Speaker 3: it's No One, we would need one result, so one win. 333 00:16:43,427 --> 00:16:46,307 Speaker 3: In my eyes, I'm quite sure that three points would 334 00:16:46,307 --> 00:16:48,987 Speaker 3: be enough to be eight out of twelve top third place, 335 00:16:50,827 --> 00:16:54,907 Speaker 3: but then again there's just there's more complications and factors 336 00:16:54,907 --> 00:16:57,307 Speaker 3: where that game might be played. We're lucky we're from 337 00:16:57,307 --> 00:16:59,587 Speaker 3: a pool that the third place can only be in 338 00:16:59,627 --> 00:17:04,507 Speaker 3: two different cities and a second place would play the 339 00:17:04,507 --> 00:17:07,787 Speaker 3: first place of US and Australia's which would be incredible 340 00:17:07,947 --> 00:17:10,587 Speaker 3: to play either of them, but particularly Australia. For me, 341 00:17:10,667 --> 00:17:13,427 Speaker 3: that's like a dream, how good and I only imagine 342 00:17:13,427 --> 00:17:14,707 Speaker 3: in it as a knockout game. 343 00:17:15,827 --> 00:17:19,827 Speaker 2: Do you think some fans will go to the World 344 00:17:19,867 --> 00:17:22,667 Speaker 2: Cup without match tickets and hope to get them on 345 00:17:22,707 --> 00:17:23,147 Speaker 2: the ground. 346 00:17:23,707 --> 00:17:28,027 Speaker 3: Yeah, well, look, so some of our guys have have 347 00:17:28,187 --> 00:17:31,187 Speaker 3: bought flights and accommodation already. That's the as hard for 348 00:17:31,227 --> 00:17:33,067 Speaker 3: New Zealand, been our first time to get all our 349 00:17:33,187 --> 00:17:36,347 Speaker 3: ducks in a row and to have a full system 350 00:17:36,387 --> 00:17:39,107 Speaker 3: like England to measure these things. We're lucky that using 351 00:17:39,107 --> 00:17:41,827 Speaker 3: a football are supporting us with an allocation so that 352 00:17:42,267 --> 00:17:45,307 Speaker 3: you know, those dedicated fans who have traveled around the 353 00:17:45,307 --> 00:17:47,987 Speaker 3: world in the last sixteen years between World Cups can 354 00:17:48,027 --> 00:17:52,707 Speaker 3: have you know, some assurance. So, yeah, some fans have 355 00:17:53,067 --> 00:17:55,947 Speaker 3: already booked flights and accommodation and obviously they're that dedicated 356 00:17:55,987 --> 00:17:59,507 Speaker 3: that they'll find a way. It seems risky, but if 357 00:17:59,507 --> 00:18:03,507 Speaker 3: you compare that to waiting for match tickets and the 358 00:18:03,547 --> 00:18:06,227 Speaker 3: cost like you alluded to earlier, of flights and accommodation 359 00:18:06,427 --> 00:18:08,627 Speaker 3: are going to rise a lot more. That's a lot 360 00:18:09,027 --> 00:18:12,827 Speaker 3: higher price for the accommodation, So that's more likely to 361 00:18:12,907 --> 00:18:14,587 Speaker 3: rise a lot in the next six weeks or so. 362 00:18:14,707 --> 00:18:18,387 Speaker 2: And you talked about scalping before almost being legitimized through 363 00:18:18,427 --> 00:18:22,667 Speaker 2: the resale exchange platform, but will we still find scalpers 364 00:18:22,707 --> 00:18:26,787 Speaker 2: outside grounds with an open jacket and a pocket full 365 00:18:26,787 --> 00:18:28,147 Speaker 2: of tickets. Hey boys, what about these? 366 00:18:28,227 --> 00:18:32,587 Speaker 3: Yeah? I think it's slightly harder because the modern tickets 367 00:18:32,587 --> 00:18:36,707 Speaker 3: these days are NFC, so they're linked to your phone. Yes, 368 00:18:37,467 --> 00:18:40,187 Speaker 3: so I'm not sure if they're going to lock a 369 00:18:40,267 --> 00:18:44,547 Speaker 3: time period where you can't do that or if not 370 00:18:44,667 --> 00:18:46,507 Speaker 3: yet it might still be easy enough to do it 371 00:18:46,547 --> 00:18:48,267 Speaker 3: and you just forward in an email that they receive 372 00:18:48,307 --> 00:18:52,027 Speaker 3: in the link. It's then on their phone. But yeah, 373 00:18:52,227 --> 00:18:56,147 Speaker 3: like you said, they've legitimized it, so buying and selling 374 00:18:56,387 --> 00:18:57,587 Speaker 3: there'll be plenty of And. 375 00:18:57,547 --> 00:19:00,067 Speaker 2: I talked about demand not being necessarily that high for 376 00:19:00,547 --> 00:19:03,547 Speaker 2: the Whites against Iran and Los Angeles in the first game, 377 00:19:03,627 --> 00:19:07,907 Speaker 2: but doesn't Los Angeles have a massive Iranian population. 378 00:19:08,307 --> 00:19:11,347 Speaker 3: It's incredible, isn't it? When that came out and you're thinking, 379 00:19:11,707 --> 00:19:14,947 Speaker 3: it's not possible. None of the pools had game at 380 00:19:14,987 --> 00:19:18,267 Speaker 3: all their games outside of US, so that's not possible 381 00:19:18,267 --> 00:19:22,627 Speaker 3: with the political situation with a run and the doubt 382 00:19:22,667 --> 00:19:25,067 Speaker 3: on their part that fans will be able to freely 383 00:19:25,187 --> 00:19:30,067 Speaker 3: enter without complications. Should we say so, then you think, oh, 384 00:19:30,067 --> 00:19:32,387 Speaker 3: that's the game in the US, then maybe we're in luck. 385 00:19:33,027 --> 00:19:35,067 Speaker 3: As an opponent, I would want it to be open 386 00:19:35,147 --> 00:19:36,747 Speaker 3: and fair. But yes, that's the key. We values that 387 00:19:36,787 --> 00:19:39,227 Speaker 3: they should be able to enjoy football. But yeah, when 388 00:19:39,227 --> 00:19:41,267 Speaker 3: you saw that were drawn there, it would be easy 389 00:19:41,267 --> 00:19:43,547 Speaker 3: to think, wouldn't it that great? They won't have many fans. 390 00:19:43,587 --> 00:19:46,747 Speaker 3: And then as you said, it turns out to many people. 391 00:19:46,787 --> 00:19:50,587 Speaker 3: It's actually called taranjalies to arrangelees however you would say 392 00:19:50,627 --> 00:19:55,307 Speaker 3: it because yeah, the biggest center for Iranian people outside 393 00:19:55,507 --> 00:19:57,427 Speaker 3: I run. So they say there's about half a million 394 00:19:58,667 --> 00:20:02,147 Speaker 3: Iranians or maybe American Iranians maybe second generation or whatever. Now, 395 00:20:02,747 --> 00:20:07,707 Speaker 3: so yeah, makes it very tough. So the FIFA dot 396 00:20:07,747 --> 00:20:11,947 Speaker 3: com ballot if you think that's is that similar population 397 00:20:11,987 --> 00:20:13,947 Speaker 3: to Wellington, isn't it depending on if it's a region 398 00:20:14,027 --> 00:20:19,027 Speaker 3: or city. So yeah, and they love football and they 399 00:20:19,147 --> 00:20:22,387 Speaker 3: travel well, so that's like imagining that. Yeah, we just 400 00:20:22,427 --> 00:20:24,987 Speaker 3: happen to have, you know, a World Cup game in 401 00:20:24,987 --> 00:20:29,227 Speaker 3: Wellington for New Zealand. That's what would be competing within 402 00:20:29,267 --> 00:20:33,787 Speaker 3: the FIFA dot com ballot or the yeah, the secondhand market. 403 00:20:33,947 --> 00:20:36,627 Speaker 2: All right, Well to circle back to finish, then, anyone 404 00:20:36,667 --> 00:20:39,827 Speaker 2: listening to this who has any interest in even a 405 00:20:39,867 --> 00:20:42,827 Speaker 2: passing interest and being at one or more of these 406 00:20:42,867 --> 00:20:45,707 Speaker 2: games in June of next year. Your advice is to 407 00:20:46,267 --> 00:20:48,387 Speaker 2: is to go in the New Zealand football ballot. That's 408 00:20:48,427 --> 00:20:49,787 Speaker 2: your your best piece of advice. 409 00:20:50,307 --> 00:20:54,387 Speaker 3: Yeah, for sure, And yeah, do that by by today, 410 00:20:54,427 --> 00:20:56,307 Speaker 3: so you're you're in with a chance through the New 411 00:20:56,387 --> 00:20:57,507 Speaker 3: Zealand footbaballot all. 412 00:20:57,467 --> 00:20:59,867 Speaker 2: Right in z football dot code audien z' is the website. 413 00:20:59,907 --> 00:21:02,507 Speaker 2: Just follow your nose. It's not hard to find. And 414 00:21:02,507 --> 00:21:05,307 Speaker 2: and sorry, Matt, just to clarify, that doesn't get you 415 00:21:05,347 --> 00:21:07,747 Speaker 2: a ticket that's in the ballots. So when will people 416 00:21:07,827 --> 00:21:11,547 Speaker 2: know that they that they have the opportunity to purchase tickets. 417 00:21:11,627 --> 00:21:15,067 Speaker 3: Yeah, so they are giving codes out next week. It 418 00:21:15,147 --> 00:21:18,947 Speaker 3: might be late next week, I believe. And then the 419 00:21:18,947 --> 00:21:21,587 Speaker 3: codes that they give to people, you're halfway there, shall 420 00:21:21,587 --> 00:21:23,347 Speaker 3: we say? So then you can go through to the 421 00:21:23,347 --> 00:21:30,307 Speaker 3: FIFA platform and submit your request and then in mid June, 422 00:21:30,307 --> 00:21:35,627 Speaker 3: I think it's until thirteenth of June. January, thirteenth of January. Yeah, 423 00:21:36,227 --> 00:21:39,187 Speaker 3: that then they can allocate them more or less. 424 00:21:39,227 --> 00:21:41,347 Speaker 2: Okay, so you should know by the end of January 425 00:21:41,387 --> 00:21:42,547 Speaker 2: whether you've got tickets or not. 426 00:21:42,947 --> 00:21:48,347 Speaker 3: Yeah, exactly. Yeah, you're excited, excited, Yeah a lot. It's 427 00:21:48,387 --> 00:21:51,267 Speaker 3: been a pretty intense last week or so when those 428 00:21:51,267 --> 00:21:53,867 Speaker 3: prices were announced late. So I'm up late at night 429 00:21:53,867 --> 00:21:58,547 Speaker 3: getting feedback from our guys and yeah, it's been pretty 430 00:21:58,547 --> 00:22:02,307 Speaker 3: intense week. But yeah, like it's incredible to imagine like 431 00:22:02,387 --> 00:22:05,507 Speaker 3: you just described, not just in New Zealand overseas, playing 432 00:22:05,547 --> 00:22:08,347 Speaker 3: anywhere and friendly, but in the big stage in the 433 00:22:08,347 --> 00:22:11,867 Speaker 3: World Cup first time in sixteen years. Yeah, footballs come 434 00:22:11,867 --> 00:22:13,587 Speaker 3: a long way in this country on the pitch and 435 00:22:13,627 --> 00:22:16,027 Speaker 3: hopefully in the stands too, and hopefully we can show 436 00:22:16,067 --> 00:22:17,387 Speaker 3: that and enjoy it with the team. 437 00:22:17,507 --> 00:22:19,627 Speaker 2: Will do. People find you on socials, mate. 438 00:22:19,707 --> 00:22:22,387 Speaker 3: So the Flying key is FC, I think is probably 439 00:22:22,387 --> 00:22:25,187 Speaker 3: the tag for most places. So Ye're pretty active on 440 00:22:25,547 --> 00:22:28,547 Speaker 3: Instagram and being pretty deliberate with updating snippets of this 441 00:22:28,587 --> 00:22:31,907 Speaker 3: info to help people along, So definitely connect there if 442 00:22:31,907 --> 00:22:32,427 Speaker 3: you're interested. 443 00:22:32,547 --> 00:22:35,707 Speaker 2: The Flying kiwis FC on Insta and across other socials 444 00:22:35,707 --> 00:22:37,627 Speaker 2: as well. Matt, Great to see you, mate, Look, I 445 00:22:37,667 --> 00:22:41,307 Speaker 2: hope this leads to an absolutely tremendous couple of weeks 446 00:22:41,307 --> 00:22:45,067 Speaker 2: and maybe more in June. We'll look out for you 447 00:22:45,107 --> 00:22:46,707 Speaker 2: in the stands, mate. Thanks for popping in today. 448 00:22:46,787 --> 00:22:48,307 Speaker 3: Thanks for your support, paint appreciate it now. 449 00:22:48,347 --> 00:22:50,827 Speaker 2: I appreciate you coming in. Matt Matt Fijos, founder of 450 00:22:50,907 --> 00:22:54,187 Speaker 2: the Flying Kiwi's FC supporters group. There is the best 451 00:22:54,187 --> 00:22:56,387 Speaker 2: piece of advice in zed football dot co dot nz. 452 00:22:56,627 --> 00:22:59,747 Speaker 2: Sign up to the ballot today. It finishes, I think 453 00:23:00,067 --> 00:23:02,947 Speaker 2: the sign up process anyway, later on tonight you'll get 454 00:23:02,947 --> 00:23:07,547 Speaker 2: a code next week and then's your opportunity to apply 455 00:23:07,707 --> 00:23:10,027 Speaker 2: for tickets for the World Cup next year. 456 00:23:10,907 --> 00:23:14,107 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 457 00:23:14,187 --> 00:23:17,507 Speaker 1: to news talks at B Weekends from midday, or follow 458 00:23:17,547 --> 00:23:19,147 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio