05 June 2002

Ryanair embark on World Cup battle with Lufthansa

Ahead of the World Cup match between Germany and Ireland, low cost Irish airline company, Ryanair has embarked on a war of words accusing Lufthansa of 'cowardice'.

Ryanair hit out at Lufthansa's refusal to take a bet on a free seat giveaway in the event that Germany beat Ireland in the World Cup on Wednesday June 5.

However, with Lufthansa apparently failing to respond to the challenge Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary confirmed that Ryanair would give away free seats no matter what the outcome between the two teams.

He said: "Either way all of Ryanair's German 1.5 million passengers stand to win. If Ireland win, so will Ryanair's passengers. If Germany wins so will Ryanair's passengers. The only people who will lose are Lufthansa. Then again Lufthansa can't beat Ryanair's fares so it is no surprise that they can't take up Ryanair's bet either."

The budget airline has originally challenged Lufthansa to a bet that Ryanair would give away all seats on its 12 routes to and from Germany - on one specific day, for free.

The condition of this bet was that Lufthansa would give away its seats on one day for free in the event that Germany would beat Ireland in the World Cup.

(MB)