World Cup tickets on sale from Feb 1

Ticket sales for the 2006 World Cup will begin at midnight on February 1, with 812,000 available during the first phase.

Demand is expected to dwarf supply and organisers are seeking to forestall internet chaos on February 1 by dealing with ticket applications in a lottery at the end of the first sales period, rather than on a first come, first served basis.

The first sales window will be open until March 31, organisers announced on Monday. The total number of tickets on sale for the tournament will be 2.93 million.

"People should take their time, study the match schedule, and then apply within the given time frame," organising committee vice-president Horst R Schmidt said.

The World Cup finals kick off on June 9, 2006.

Ticket prices were settled some time ago. They start at 35 euros (24.35 pounds) for the lowest category seats at the group matches and go up to 600 euros for the most expensive seats at the final.