THE Football Supporters Association have rejected the Government's advice for supporters without tickets not to travel to this summer's World Cup finals. The Government have consistently warned fans to stay at home if they do not have a valid seat from either the Football Association or through the official telephone hotline. A Home Office spokesman reiterated this stance, saying: I am sure there will be black market tickets floating around but there's no guarantee that supporters will get in. They're taking a risk and they could lose their money and miss the game. But the FSA said it was unrealistic to expect fans not to make the short trip so that it would only advise on the pitfalls of buying black market tickets rather than tell people not to go. The French authorities have arranged a large programme of cultural events to cater for the huge crowds expected and big screens will show the matches for those spectators locked out. The FSA believe people will go to France to sample the atmosphere, and that this should not present a problem. They deny such an approach was likely to cause problems and told the Government it should have consulted them before launching the 'no ticket, don't travel' campaign. The FSA will be operating a mobile 'Fans Embassy' to follow England supporters around France, assisting and liaising with local authorities. Kevin Miles of the FSA, who will staff the MasterCard-sponsored 'Embassy' mini-bus, said: I think there is a tiny minority of so-called fans who use football as a focus for organising violence. I think the police have that situation under control. I don't think our role is to act as a ticket agency but we will give people advice about what the dangers are. At the same time any advice we could give would be undermined if we gave the impression that there are no such things as black market tickets available. Alison Pilling, international officer of the FSA, added: People who have travelled abroad before know that black market tickets are always available. Our view is to give advice on the basis of what people are going to do and not hope that they are going to tow the party line. People without tickets have to be aware that there are certain drawbacks. If you want to buy a black market ticket it is illegal and you may be fined. It's part of our role to give advice about some of the problems. But having said that, if people go over to be part of the atmosphere and enjoy it then the FSA does not have a problem with that. The FSA have operated their embassies at previous competitions, including Italia 90 and the European Championships in Sweden in 1992 and England in 1996. They will tour the cities where English fans are based to give out information on accommodation in the host cities and advise fans on any problems that may arise. In the past, travel has been an issue a classic example being the Denmark v England match in Malmo in Euro 92, when many English fans booked to staying in nearby Copenhagen and commute to the game. It was originally scheduled to be against Yugoslavia, but when they were expelled due to UN sanctions and Denmark stepped in, all the ferries were booked by Danish fans. With the Football Association silent (and mostly invisible), the FSA dealt with the local travel companies to ensure extra services, and kept the fans informed. With very limited hotel facilities and travel out of Lens, where England meet Colombia, this will be a role they may have to play again. On match days the embassy will be staffed by up to ten volunteers who will mingle with fans and give out copies of a special fans guide to France which is currently being published. The FSA also hope to organise events between matches to keep fans entertained. They are also operating a hotline where fans can order a copy of the guide and also the Embassy will be contactable in France, from 8 June. Hotline telephone number to order a copy of the fans guide is 0870 6060721 The FSA Mobile Embassy in France will be contactable on 0956 121314

'WALES MY CONCERN - NOT ENGLAND'   BOBBY GOULD has stressed he is more concerned with boosting the confidence of his own side than shattering Tunisia's morale when Wales meet England's World Cup group rivals on 6 June. Wales will be the last opponents the North Africans will face before their opening match of France 98 against Glenn Hoddle's side in Marseilles nine days later. Wales coach Gould has as his priority rebuilding his own side's reputation rather than enhancing England's prospects in this summer's tournament. Frankly, we want to do ourselves a favour before doing anyone else a good turn, said Gould. We don't take on friendlies these days that we don't think we can win, and if that means we upset Tunisia before they play England then so be it. Wales will spend a week hopping around the Mediterranean as part of their preparation for the European Championship qualifying campaign starting early next season. They play Malta in Valetta on 3 June and then the Tunisians - the only warm-up matches Wales have been able to organise before they face Italy at Anfield on 5 September. But Gould is aware of the wider significance of the match in Tunis and anticipates a member of the England coaching staff being in attendance to do some last-minute homework. He said: I expect Glenn Hoddle to do his job and either be there himself to watch us play Tunisia or have someone else at the game to make a report.

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