FIFA World Cup partner faces antitrust probe

Brazilians react on a goal of the Selecao while attending a public viewing of the Confederations Cup semi-final match between Brazil and Uruguay at the beachfront of Fortaleza, June 26, 2013. Fortaleza will hosts the Confederations Cup semi-final between Spain and Italy this week and will be one of the twelve host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. [Photo/Agencies]

MATCH Services AG, an official FIFA partner, is operating a ticket sales "monopoly", a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office was quoted telling media on Friday.

The Zurich-based company has also acquired "considerable market power" over hotel availability due to its ability to reserve rooms in advance, the complaint said.

Brazil's antitrust watchdog, CADE, says it will analyze the complaint before deciding whether to launch an official investigation.

According to Brazilian tourism agency Embratur, hotel rates will rise as much as 600 percent during the month-long event, beginning June 12 next year.

Rio de Janeiro, which will host the final on July 13, is the most expensive city with daily hotel prices averaging 461 US dollars.

MATCH and FIFA were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.