The Sports Ministry have made provision for 500 hundred supporters to travel to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup with a high possibility of a rise in this number as the competition progresses.

This was confirmed by Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah at a press conference on Monday to address teething issues over the airlifting of supporters to Brazil.

Reports are rife that the Ministry was unable to gather enough resources from alternative sources following government’s decision not to sponsor supporters for the World Cup, which is now three days away.

The Ministry embarked on a campaign to raise funds from alternative sources through several initiatives including a text and win promotion, the use of high profile personalities and auctioning of Black Stars replica jerseys autographed by President John Mahama.

But reports suggested the Ministry was finding it difficult to pay service providers for the airlifting and accommodation of supporters for the World Cup.

But the Minister denied these reports, insisting funds have been secured to airlift 500 supporters to Brazil starting from this weekend, with a likely possibility of add ups as the tournament progresses.

“How many supporters, as at today, I can confirm 500,” Elvis Afriyie Ankrah said at the press conference.

“I mentioned that as at today, we are still redeeming pledges and, therefore, there is the possibility that the number rises.

“I am confident that we will be able to go beyond this number but then I can confirm 500.

“We are preparing to airlift supporters to Brazil on the 13th, 14th and 15th of June.”

This means the Black Stars will have their support intact by the time they take to the field in their opening group game against USA on June 16 in Natal.