FIFA apologizes for Confed Cup ticketing problems

ZURICH (AP) -FIFA has apologized to ticket buyers after "technical issues'' affected the first day of online sales for the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

FIFA says its ticket provider MATCH Service has solved the problems and is contacting the 165 customers affected.

About 830,000 tickets are available for 16 matches scheduled June 15-30 in the eight-nation tournament, which has had troubled preparations.

FIFA committed last month to using six stadiums even though just two - in Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza - could be completed this year as originally promised by local organizers.

Matches are also scheduled at Brasilia and the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The northeastern cities of Salvador and Recife face the tightest timetable to be ready.

FIFA will conduct the draw in Sao Paulo next week.