Jordaan infuriated by 'Plan B'

2008-07-01 15:20

Johannesburg - Only an act of God will prevent the 2010 World Cup finals being hosted in South Africa.

That was the reassurance given on Tuesday by the chief executive officer of the 2010 Soccer World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC), Danny Jordaan.

Jordaan was furious over reports in the local media quoting Fifa president Sepp Blatter as saying he had a Plan B in case South Africa was not ready to host the 2010 showpiece.

Said an angry Jordaan: "I could not believe my ears and my eyes when I returned from watching the final of the Euro 2008 in Vienna, Austria yesterday (Monday). I got numerous calls from SA journalists wanting to know what is going on.

Well, nothing at all this is old news. I was taken by surprise because I had not seen any such reports in Austria. But I have spoken to Blatter and he reaffirmed only God can prevent South Africa staging the World Cup in 2010.

"I am amazed by these reports. Blatter has gone out of his way to bring the 2010 World Cup to South Africa. It makes no sense for him to say he has another plan. Obviously Fifa must have a plan if we suffered a major natural catastrophe but that is all."

'Security problem'

The LOC CEO added 2010 hospitality packages had been selling better than expected. Jordaan also stated he was not worried about the mounting crime in the country.

"We have staged rugby and cricket World Cups. We host rugby Super 14 teams here regularly. We had the Welsh and Italian rugby teams here last month and Manchester United visit us later this month (for the Vodacom Challenge). We did not have a single security problem at any of these above events. I do not believe we will have one security problem at the Confederations Cup or the World Cup."

The Confederations Cup is a dry run for the biggest soccer show on earth and will be staged in South Africa from June 14 to 28 featuring world champions Italy, Bafana Bafana plus the six continental champions, Spain, Egypt, United States, Iraq, Brazil and the soon to be crowed Oceanic champions, possibly New Zealand.

Said Jordaan: "If we had problems then why would countries such as the US be sending a delegation here at the weekend to check on their base camp and accommodation for the Confederations Cup."

Meanwhile the 2010 LOC on Tuesday launched their campaign where they will employ 5 000 volunteers for the Confederations Cup and 15 000 for the World Cup. They will come from all sectors of South Africa and be paid a nominal fee.

Foreign volunteers will also be accommodated.

Jordaan also stressed he was confident stadiums for the Confederations Cup and World Cup would be completed on schedule despite reports that some stadiums are lagging behind.

People who wish to become volunteers can apply on www.fifa.com/southafrica2009. The applications will close on August 31.

- SAPA