Posted on 4th December 2013
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
Ahead of the World Cup draw on Friday the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Football Supporters Federation (FSF) have teamed up to urge England fans to do their homework before booking travel to Brazil.
Brazil is a big country – roughly seven times larger than South Africa – and tourist numbers have been steadily increasing. More than 150,000 British nationals visited Brazil in 2012 and the vast majority of visits were trouble free.
Friday’s draw could see England fans having to travel distances up to 3,000km between group games. Travelling these distances can take up to four hours by air and fans have been warned to be on the ball when it comes to travel plans.
Mark Simmonds, the Minister for Consular Affairs, said: “Like me, England fans are looking forward to Friday’s draw but it is crucial that they do their research before they arrange flights to Brazil and, importantly, their onward travel within the country.
“There are some distinct challenges, notably the vast distances between venues, so we urge fans to prepare for these – remember to check the travel advice and FCO website before you book your flights.
“Many travelling fans will have attended international tournaments before but this tournament poses new challenges. We encourage all fans to plan thoroughly to ensure a safe and successful trip in Brazil. You wouldn’t expect Roy Hodgson and the team to be unprepared for the World Cup, so you shouldn’t be either.”
Kevin Miles, Chief Executive of the Football Supporters’ Federation, said: “It’s really important that fans think carefully before they travel and know what to expect in Brazil. Every tournament is different and the travel distances to get between games will make an Exeter to Hartlepool away day look like a doddle.”
In addition to long travel distances between games the FCO is highlighting the following travel advice for those thinking of heading to Brazil:
For more detailed information, and to stay up to date with the FCO’s latest travel advice for Brazil, England fans can visit: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil
If you have any enquiries for FCO consular staff before you go, or while abroad, you can now ask questions via the FCO’s new Twitter service @FCOtravel using #beontheball or the FCO’s Facebook.
This service adds to the ways that British people travelling or living overseas can already get in touch with the FCO: by emailing the travel advice team or contacting local consular staff.
A classic of the pre-season variety from Buckley Town as their player receives the ball out wide, gets away with a nightmare-ish first touch before running the length of the pitch to score with an absolutely sublime finish. Hats off that man.
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European football’s governing body say they will begin refunding Liverpool fans who were caught up in the chaotic and unsafe scenes outside the Stade de France before the Champions League final last May.
