Fifa concerned about attacks
2008-05-22 08:55
Johannesburg - The football world governing body Fifa has expressed concern over this week's wave of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
It, however, hoped the World Cup tournament's "unifying power" could help to overcome divisions, Fifa spokesperson Delia Fisher said on Wednesday.
She said the football body was saddened by the loss of life and injuries incurred during the attacks.
"We are obviously concerned about this issue and hope that the Fifa World Cup and its unifying power will help to overcome these divisions."
Fisher, however, said it was not Fifa's role as a sports federation to comment on matters of national sovereignty and domestic affairs.
She said Fifa would use the power of football to fight any form of discrimination, racism and violence.
The football body had confidence in the South African authorities to resolve this issue.
On South Africa's preparedness for the 2010 World Cup, Fisher warned any deviations from the deadlines for the stadiums constructions "will have consequences."
"The Local Organising Committee and Fifa have made it clear at the last board meeting that any deviations from the deadline dates as per Fifa requirements will have consequences."
She said stadium constructions were being closely monitored by the organising committee's technical team and Fifa.
Fisher commended the organising team and government for the effort being made to meet deadlines and their openness when lagging behind.
"They do not hide facts as in the case of Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. They ran behind schedule but pro-actively tackled the problems and found solutions with our teams," she said. Johannesburg - The football world governing body Fifa has expressed concern over this week's wave of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
It, however, hoped the World Cup tournament's "unifying power" could help to overcome divisions, Fifa spokesperson Delia Fisher said on Wednesday.
She said the football body was saddened by the loss of life and injuries incurred during the attacks.
"We are obviously concerned about this issue and hope that the Fifa World Cup and its unifying power will help to overcome these divisions."
Fisher, however, said it was not Fifa's role as a sports federation to comment on matters of national sovereignty and domestic affairs.
She said Fifa would use the power of football to fight any form of discrimination, racism and violence.
The football body had confidence in the South African authorities to resolve this issue.
On South Africa's preparedness for the 2010 World Cup, Fisher warned any deviations from the deadlines for the stadiums constructions "will have consequences."
"The Local Organising Committee and Fifa have made it clear at the last board meeting that any deviations from the deadline dates as per Fifa requirements will have consequences."
She said stadium constructions were being closely monitored by the organising committee's technical team and Fifa.
Fisher commended the organising team and government for the effort being made to meet deadlines and their openness when lagging behind.
"They do not hide facts as in the case of Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. They ran behind schedule but pro-actively tackled the problems and found solutions with our teams," she said.
- SAPA