World Cup tickets firm chief ‘flees arrest’

AN executive of a Cheadle-based World Cup hospitality business who was arrested by Brazilian police over alleged illegal World Cup ticket sales, is now considered a fugitive from justice.

According to reports, Brazilian police say Ray Whelan fled the luxury Copacabana Palace hotel through a back door about an hour before he was due to be re-arrested.

Mr 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 on Monday at the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro where FIFA officials are also staying. He was held overnight and then released on bail. Earlier yesterday, a judge accepted an indictment against him, which alleges he was the inside man for distributing tickets.

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

In a statement after his arrest, Match Hospitality denied any wrongdoing by Mr Whelan, and said he would co-operate with any investigation.