More choice for RWC fans, says MasterCard

Alfred Naffah, country manager for Mastercard, shows off the rugby debit card.

MasterCard has moved to clear up confusion over its presence at the Rugby World Cup, saying rugby fans will have more options, not fewer.

Fans were upset when reports yesterday stated they could use MasterCard prepaid cards or cash when buying food or drink at most World Cup grounds, and criticism was rampant across the internet.

Mastercard are official sponsors of the tournament along with Heineken, Emirates and Coca-Cola.

MasterCard strategy and corporate affairs manager David Masters told NZPA there had been wide misreporting.

There would actually be more choice for fans, with current eftpos terminals continuing to service all cards, and MasterCard installing a network of new terminals at other venues.

"The only payment option accepted at these locations today is cash," he said.

The new machines would accept all forms of MasterCard (credit, debit and prepaid), and after the World Cup they would be converted to accept all cards.

"No acceptance location at the stadiums should accept fewer forms of payment than they do today," he said.

"All we are doing is strengthening acceptance to allow retailers at these stadiums to accept all MasterCard cards, not just prepaid."

Rugby World Cup spokesman Mike Jaspers told NZPA yesterday the arrangement was an improvement on the current situation, with eftpos currently not available at stadia around the country.

"Cash only is the status quo at the moment," Mr Jaspers said.

He said the exclusive deal with MasterCard was not unusual.

New MasterCard "Tap and Go" cards could be used for purchases under $80 and could be loaded with up to $1000.

They would be available for between $5 and $10 and would need to be replaced once the credit ran out.

- NZPA