Blatter: 2010 WC to stay in SA
2006-10-30 10:21
Sydney - Fifa president Sepp Blatter has
dismissed suggestions the 2010 World Cup could be moved from
South Africa to another country, insisting the event will
proceed as planned.
Rumours have been circulating in the media for months that
Fifa were looking for an alternative host country because of
concerns South Africa had fallen hopelessly behind in their
preparations.
But Blatter, in an interview broadcast on Australian
television network SBS on Sunday, said the speculation was
wrong and the tournament would remain in South Africa.
"They will be ready, no problems they will be ready,"
Blatter said.
"The plan C and B in my opinion is still South Africa."
Australia had been suggested as a possible option after
local soccer officials announced they would be willing to take
over the running of the 2010 tournament, but Blatter said
Australia would have to wait their turn.
The 2014 World Cup has already been promised to South
America, leaving 2018 as the earliest opportunity Australia
could even lodge a bid to stage the tournament.
"Australia shall be an option for organising the next World
Cup after 2014," Blatter said.
"Australia can also be an option to take one of the big
youth competitions of Fifa, for instance the Under-20 World
Cup.
"This is now something that Australia should be attached
to... but definitely not the 2010 World Cup."
- Reuters