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World Cup is selling seats specifically designated for obese fans

A doctor’s note will land overweight soccer fans an extra-large seat at a 50 percent discount.

By Evan Bleier
Brazil fans look on prior to the Group G match at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on June 20, 2010. (File/UPI/Chris Brunskill)
Brazil fans look on prior to the Group G match at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on June 20, 2010. (File/UPI/Chris Brunskill) | License Photo

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Anyone interested in big savings on big seats at the World Cup should head to their doctor.

Super-sized soccer fans at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil who are able to prove with a doctor's note that they are obese can get extra-wide seats at a 50 percent discount thanks to a Brazilian law requiring at least one percent of the event’s three million seats be sold to individuals with disabilities or special needs, which in Brazil includes obesity.

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According to Bloomberg, the seats will be about double the width of a regular stadium chair and will be available in every single one of the 12 World Cup stadiums. This is the first World Cup requiring seats to be created for fans who are struggling with their weight.

“FIFA always respects local legislation and regulations and as such included obese people within the category of people with special needs,” World Cup organizers said.

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“All obese customers will have the right to use a specific seat and will be offered the opportunity to request a complimentary ticket for one accompanying person.”

In Brazil, nearly half of the adult population is classified as overweight and one in seven citizens are considered obese. The seats are available to any fan who can prove their body mass index, or BMI, is 30 or greater.

Students, people over 60, disabled individuals and recipients of low-income grants also qualify for the discounted tickets.

The World Cup will be held from June 12 to July 13.

[NESN] [Bloomberg]

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