Monopoly card deal for Olympics angers watchdog

Which? says it is "outrageous" British Olympic fans will not be able to pay for tickets by MasterCard or American Express or withdraw cash at any Olympic sites unless they have a card which runs on the Visa payment system.

London 2012 say it is looking at other payment methods for tickets, and defended the deal saying it would not be able to raise the funds to stage the Games unless it offered such exclusive agreements to corporate sponsors.

Chief executive of Which? Peter Vicary-Smith said: "We think it's outrageous some UK sports fans should be discriminated against in this way.

"We want the London 2012 organising committee to take steps to ensure there's a level playing field and that UK consumers have equal access to the Games, whether or not they are Visa cardholders.

"If it doesn't, we'll call on the Government to step in."

The Which? report also points out the "bizarre" situation that the restrictions only apply to British cardholders – outside of the country other cards can be used to buy tickets.

London 2012 say they are working on alternative payments methods for tickets, and that the same system was used for the Beijing and Vancouver Games, and going back to 1988.

"Every type of Visa card (debit, prepaid and credit) can be used at the Games and to purchase tickets," said London 2012.

"Alternative payment methods will also be available and LOCOG (the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) is working now on how to incorporate those options into the plans and ensure that everyone purchasing tickets and attending the Games is informed about these alternatives well in advance."

Organisers added that cash machines accepting all cards will be provided at access points.

Visa said fans could obtain a pre-paid card with credit to buy tickets or use cash or cheque. "At every Olympic Games, Visa creates and manages the payment system infrastructure and network throughout all venues."