FIFA has back-up plan for 2010 World Cup

FIFA president Sepp Blatter finally admitted there is a reserve plan in place should South Africa not be prepared to host the 2010 World Cup.

Blatter said other countries have been on standby to prepare for the tournament. He listed England, Japan, Mexico, Spain and the United States as those that could help.

"Something can happen. It is a natural catastrophe or whatever, a big change in society – everybody against football," Blatter said. "But then for the time being the plan B is South Africa and the plan C we definitely must have (as) a possibility to go somewhere else."

Some issues have been mentioned in South Africa hosting the cup. Blatter last year stated concerns about construction and renovations on 10 different stadiums set to host the World Cup.

In December, South African President Thabo Mbkei said the tournament could not be held elsewhere, promising the 2010 World Cup would be an "exceptional event."

The English Football Association said it has not yet been involved with any plans for a tournament move.

"There have been no discussions with FIFA at this stage," a spokesman told BBC Sport. "We do believe we have some of the finest stadia and football infrastructure in the world but it's hypothetical as we understand South Africa are on course to stage the 2012 World Cup."

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.