Blatter supports the workers

2008-03-11 22:30

Zurick, Switzerland - Fifa president Sepp Blatter showed his solidarity with the construction workers who are getting 10 stadiums in South Africa ready for the 2010 World Cup.

Blatter met with South African trade union leaders on Tuesday and said he wanted them to be treated fairly while building and upgrading World Cup venues.

"Although Fifa is not the employer or the builder responsible for constructing the stadiums, it is well aware of its social responsibility in connection with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and is also keeping an eye on it," Blatter said in a statement.

Stadium construction is managed by the 2010 organising committee, with most of the expected $1bn costs met by the government.

Blatter has made several visits to monitor construction work, and has offered repeated assurances that the stadiums will be ready to host matches when the tournament opens on June 11, 2010.

- SAPA