FIFA boss expects successful WC in SA
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
PRETORIA, Sept 15 (AFP): FIFA President Sepp Blatter said Sunday he had no doubt that South Africa would host a successful World Cup, adding there was no 2010 plan B.
"The plan B is South Africa and the plan C is South Africa," Blatter told a media briefing after meeting President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria.
"We are informed and monitoring all the work and we have no doubt that when it comes to stadia, when it comes to the logistical organisation, that everything will be done."
Blatter is heading a four-day FIFA delegation to South Africa to inspect venues and meet political leaders, including former president Nelson Mandela.
The cup would give South Africa, which has a high levels of violent crime, a legacy of being identified as a safe country, he said.
"Most of the criticism now is that it is not secure (...) but you go to big cities anywhere in the world (...) tell me where you have 100 security? It does not exist."
Both Blatter and Mbeki said a change of government in next year's elections would not affect the cup preparations.
"I'm saying quite firmly that we are on course with regard to meeting our obligations," Mbeki said.
"It doesn't matter what happens here with regard to whatever the political challenges, this country will meet its commitments to FIFA to (...) ensure that we have a very successful 2010 FIFA football world cup. That will happen."
"The plan B is South Africa and the plan C is South Africa," Blatter told a media briefing after meeting President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria.
"We are informed and monitoring all the work and we have no doubt that when it comes to stadia, when it comes to the logistical organisation, that everything will be done."
Blatter is heading a four-day FIFA delegation to South Africa to inspect venues and meet political leaders, including former president Nelson Mandela.
The cup would give South Africa, which has a high levels of violent crime, a legacy of being identified as a safe country, he said.
"Most of the criticism now is that it is not secure (...) but you go to big cities anywhere in the world (...) tell me where you have 100 security? It does not exist."
Both Blatter and Mbeki said a change of government in next year's elections would not affect the cup preparations.
"I'm saying quite firmly that we are on course with regard to meeting our obligations," Mbeki said.
"It doesn't matter what happens here with regard to whatever the political challenges, this country will meet its commitments to FIFA to (...) ensure that we have a very successful 2010 FIFA football world cup. That will happen."