2010: Jordaan rubbishes report

2008-07-17 21:11

Johannesburg - The 2010 World Cup chief executive officer, Danny Jordaan on Thursday rubbished reports from Spain that Brazil was ready to host the 2010 showpiece should South Africa not be able to host the event.

Speaking at the South African National Editors Forum in Johannesburg, Jordaan scoffed at the agency report that said Fifa had already discussed the issue with Brazil.

"I have read this report. It does not have a source. There is nobody quoted and frankly is just another of the same old stories we keep hearing over and over. There is no substance to it whatsoever. Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup. South Africa will host the 2010 event," Jordaan said.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter set the cat among the proverbial pigeons when he said recently that he had a Plan B in place should South Africa not be able to stage the biggest soccer event in soccer history.

Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke was at pains to play down the report at the time claiming that Fifa's Plan B only became effective should South Africa suffer a major natural disaster.

Jordaan again stated that only God could prevent South Africa hosting the 2010 World Cup finals.

Jordaan also disclosed that the 2010 tournament - the first to be staged in Africa in over 100 years of Fifa history had already generated $3.5bn.

Said Jordaan: "Germany generated $2.8 billion when they staged the World Cup in 2006. With two years to go we have made history by generating more money than any other World Cup in over 100 years. Why on earth would Fifa shot the door on an event here that has already made so much and we still have two years to go?"

Jordaan also revealed that he was part of the Fifa decision making inner circle for the 2010 event. He added: "If there were plans to take the finals away from South Africa, surely I would have known about such plans? Frankly they are nonsense as Fifa are committed to 2010 in South Africa."

- SAPA