Video: Two Dutch “beer babes” arrested at World Cup for beer-marketing stunt

Two Dutch women, who were identified as Barbara Castelein and Cindy Van Diernen, were released on bail Wednesday after facing charges they took part in an ambush marketing campaign at a World Cup match.

The women were among a group of more than 30 Dutch women who attended Monday's Netherlands-Denmark game at Soccer City wearing orange minidresses paid for by brewing company Bavaria. They said they were ordered from the stadium by FIFA officials.


The women are being prosecuted under the Contravention of Merchandise Marks Act which covers ambush marketing, when a company benefits from an event without paying for advertising.

South African police arrested the women at their hotel in the Johannesburg district of Roodepoort on Wednesday.

"We view ambush marketing in a very serious light and we urge people not to embark on these ambush campaigns," police said in a statement.

The women appeared at Johannesburg Magistrates Court and were released on bail of 10,000 rand ($1300) each, with their next court appearance set for Monday.

FIFA on Wednesday condemned the "illicit activity," but said it had not pressed charges against the women.

"The matter is now under criminal investigation, and the South African Police Service is proceeding as per the normal legislation," FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot said.