Firm probed as World Cup dreams shattered

Brighton-based BYT UK offered a range of packages for the tournament, from a 1,750 budget deal to a 3,800 package which included the finals, all with accommodation in three-star game lodges.

Mark Ashton said he paid more than 3,000 for a two-week trip to watch the qualifying stages in June but became concerned when the company was unable to provide any invoices for him and his four friends' flights and accommodation.

Mr Ashton, who paid for the package through Paypal, said his party received an email from the company to say it was going into liquidation and the matter was in the hands of their accountants.

He said: "We are all now devastated that those dreams have been shattered. Personally I paid over 45 days ago so will not get my money back from Paypal due to their rules."

Other customers have also said they fear their money is lost.

The company's website was still running yesterday but there was no answer on the phone number posted on it.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said the investigation was only in its early stages.

n Football fans yesterday said Marks & Spencer had scored an own goal by inviting customers to toast England's World Cup squad – with foreign beer.

M&S is selling French lager as part of an England World Cup promotion. Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters Federation, said: "If we're toasting England we should be doing it with English real ale not French lager."