Blatter says South Africa will host 2010 World Cup

FIFA is reasserting that the only way South Africa will not host a World Cup is if there is a natural disaster.

A week after telling the world of contingency plans for the event, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was not concerned about the nation's ability to play host to the event.

"I can tell you that if there is no catastrophe which is a natural catastrophe, then the World Cup 2010 will definitely be organized and played in South Africa," Blatter said. "(FIFA) always have contingency plans somewhere ... but the World Cup 2010 will not be taken away from South Africa. This is my last statement on that."

South Africa's biggest issues have been with stadium construction delays, raising adequate hotel capacity and a transportation system that needs to be updated.

Local organizing chief Danny Jordaan has repeatedly said that South Africa is on, if not ahead of, schedule. South African officials also say they will tighten security to fight crime and protect visitors.

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