World Cup tickets firm chief arrested in Rio

AN executive of a Cheadle-based World Cup hospitality business has been arrested by Brazilian police investigating the illegal sale of tickets.

Ray Whelan is a director of Match Hospitality, which has its head office in Switzerland and a base at Cheadle Royal Business Park, Stockport.

The business is 65% owned by the ticketing firm Byrom Plc which has its headquarters at Cheadle Royal.

A smaller stake is held by Infront Sports and Media whose president is Philippe Blatter, the nephew of FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Mr Whelan was arrested at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro where FIFA officials are also staying. He was held overnight and then released but has not been charged.

It follows the arrest of 11 people last week who are accused of illegally reselling tickets, including some allocated to players. Police say the gang could have earned as much as £52m per tournament and may have operated at four World Cups.