BERLIN: Germany football legend Franz Beckenbauer has slammed the cost of World Cup ticket prices and said fans here are put off by the travel costs to South Africa as well as security risks in the Republic.

Beckenbauer, who captained Germany to World Cup success in 1974 and coached the winning side in 1990, says few German fans can afford the expensive tickets and are put off by South Africa’s reputation for crime. Only 6,700 of the 21,000 tickets allocated for German fans have been bought.

“Not only are there doubts by those thinking of travelling there, because of security, but the tickets are too expensive,” Beckenbauer, who is on FIFA’s executive committee, told German broadcaster Sky. “What normal person can afford 5,000 to 6,000 euros for one week?” he added without specifying how he reached the figure. The cheapest ticket for the first game, South Africa against Mexico in Johannesburg on June 11, costs $200, according to the FIFA website. The most expensive ticket for the final on July 11 is $900 while the cheapest ticket for a group stage game is $80, and accomodation is said to be expensive for the tournament.