MUMBAI: The Middle East airline Emirates, in a move to leverage its partnership with football's governing body Fifa, is offering its passengers the chance to see the 2006 World Cup matches live in Germany with complimentary tickets.

As a part of its commitment to its customers, Emirates is giving away thousands of match tickets with its packages to Germany. In India the event will air on ESPN Star Sports from 9 June to 9 July 2006.

Emirates, which is an official partner of the World Cup, says that it has worked with Fifa to put together unprecedented deals which offer football fans a choice of flights to four German cities with more than a hundred hotels to chose from in the 12 Fifa host cities.

As a partner of the World Cup, Emirates has access to match tickets and is offering them on a complimentary basis to its passengers who book packages to Germany or other selected European cities with the airline to see what many consider to be the greatest show on earth.

Effective immediately, customers around the world can take advantage of the Dubai-based airline’s special deals to watch the 2006 FIFA World Cup. These packages, starting from less than $1856.00 per person, include Emirates flights to one of the airline’s four destinations in Germany - Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf - or to Zurich, Paris or Vienna; two nights accommodation from a choice of one of 12 cities where matches are being played, and a complimentary match ticket to any of the games, including the final, subject to availability.

Emirates Airline chairman and CEO MH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said, “Emirates is extremely pleased to be able to offer its customers the opportunity to support their team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Emirates has stated that the 2006 Fifa World Cup represents a great platform for us to expand our presence as a global brand alongside the other blue chip companies that sponsor this event. However, it is also extremely gratifying for us to be able to repay the custom and support of our passengers by offering them the chance to experience the live action of the tournament. We look forward to both our existing and new customers enjoying the 2006 Fifa World Cup courtesy of Emirates Airline.”

Fifa president Joseph S. Blatter says, “Emirates is the first airline ever to partner with Fifa and we can immediately see the benefits that having such a partner brings to the 2006 Fifa World Cup. Other than promoting the event globally through their marketing activities, Emirates also has the ability to fly football fans into its four destinations in Germany from all over the world via their Dubai hub, and will bring many thousands of visitors to the tournament.

“The offer of complimentary tickets to their passengers is an offer that just can’t be bettered and we are extremely pleased to have Emirates on board as an Official Partner of 2006 Fifa World Cup and we know they will contribute greatly to the success of the event.”