Aus 'salivating to host 2010'
2006-11-22 10:01
Sydney - The Australian state of New South Wales is willing to help South Africa stage the 2010 Soccer World Cup if it is unable to meet its commitments, Premier Morris Iemma said on Wednesday.
A self-confessed football fanatic, Iemma told reporters that he was "salivating at the prospect" of the state acting as emergency host to one of the world's biggest sporting events, the AAP news agency reported.
He said New South Wales, which staged the 2000 Olympics in its largest city of Sydney, still had plenty of people with experience in running major events who could help organise the World Cup in the state if necessary.
"We stand ready to step in if South Africa is unable to host the 2010 World Cup and the Football Federation of Australia puts a bid to act as an emergency host," Iemma said.
He was speaking after renewed speculation about South Africa's ability to host the World Cup after disgruntled journalists walked out of a media conference to discuss preparations when officials failed to show up.
- SAPA