South Africa claims it will be ready for 2010 WC

Reports that Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA, said the organisation may take away the 2010 World Cup hosting rights from South Africa if it does not meet the deadlines, and that it would give the rights to Australia or Europe, angered the local organisers who said the criticism would not discourage them.

South Africa said it is well ahead of the planned schedule for preparations for the event.

"As far as we are concerned we are well ahead of our plans for the construction and renovation of the stadiums for the 2010 tournament," said Tumi Makgabo, local organising committee spokesperson in an interview on Monday.

"Those making such negative statements should provide us with details as to how we will not be ready. We have the facilities at the moment to hold a highly successful tournament," she added.

Makgabo said a FIFA fact-finding mission was satisfied after inspecting the facilities some time ago and she accused the media of distorting Blatter's comments by presenting a negative picture of the African nation's preparations.

"Even Mr Blatter has not said that we will not be ready, but certain elements are reporting his comments in a negative manner," said Makgabo.

"The commission had not made any negative comments about the progress we are making," she added.

South Africa is building new stadia in Durban, Cape Town and near Pretoria, but in other cities, including Johannesburg, stadia are being renovated.

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