AN AGREEMENT that Fifa had with former president Thabo Mbeki about 20percent of World Cup tickets going to South Africans is the reason behind the re-categorisation of some tickets.

AN AGREEMENT that Fifa had with former president Thabo Mbeki about 20percent of World Cup tickets going to South Africans is the reason behind the re-categorisation of some tickets.

Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke yesterday rejected reports that some tickets would be given away or discounted.

Valcke said the agreement reached between Mbeki and Fifa boss Sepp Blatter was behind the reselling of these tickets, which had been returned from overseas Fifa affiliates and commercial partners.

"We never said we would hand out tickets for free," said Valcke at the Sun City team workshop yesterday.

Valcke also said the England team's Cup base would be ready. England coach Fabio Capello said yesterday he was happy with the Bafokeng Sports Campus in Phokeng.- Linda Moreotsene and Mogomotsi Selebi