FIFA satisfied with World Cup 2010 progress

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SOWETO, South Africa, Oct 17 (AFP): A senior FIFA official gave his seal of approval Tuesday to South Africa's preparations for the 2010 World Cup, playing down concerns about stadium construction after a recent strike.
"I am satisfied with the general preparations," FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke told AFP.
"We have an attentive ear on the stadia. There are places where we pay more attention on stadia. We have a technical team and a sense of system that allows us to be assured that things will go on as wished," he added.
Valcke's comments come after a recent stoppage by construction workers building the new Green Point stadium in Cape Town, who downed tools for nearly a week in a dispute over travel allowances.
The chairman of FIFA local organising committee, Irvin Khosa, told reporters he was also satisfied that all building work was on schedule to be completed by a FIFA-set 2009 deadline.
"Generally, good progress is being made and the organising committee is confident the 2010 FIFA World Cup construction deadlines will be met," said Khoza.
Khosa meanwhile said around 3,000 people, including FIFA officials and journalists were expected to attend the draw for the World Cup qualifying rounds in the eastern South African city of Durban on November 25.