The European Union is to probe an exclusive credit card payment system,
which had been put in place for fans wanting to buy 2006 World Cup tickets.
As a result of the current system, some fans would pay up to 60 percent more
than a ticket's face value because of a deal between Mastercard, FIFA and the
host German Football Association.
FIFA, MasterCard and the German FA all deny breaking competition rules.
However, owing to a 15 million pounds ($28.32 million) sponsorship deal with
FIFA, MasterCard would be the only credit card that could be used to buy tickets
for the early stages of the tournament.
In all other cases, holders of alternative credit cards must still pay a
hefty surcharge.
