World soccer's governing body Fifa said on Friday it had full confidence
in South Africa's preparations for hosting the 2010 World Cup finals but
said its World Cup rotation policy still had to be finalised.
Sepp Blatter (¿Getty Images)
Addressing the media after a two-day meeting of Fifa's executive
committee, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said the organisation had no doubts
as to South Africa's readiness to stage the 2010 tournament despite delays
with building new stadiums and transport links.
"When we had our last executive committee meeting in December there
were queries, even some doubts," Blatter said. "But today all
the members stood behind South Africa and the organisation of this competition.
"The South African parliament has now accepted an additional budget
of $1.2 billion to deal with problems of security, transport and logistics.
Reports from our own delegates, direct contact with Africa's various heads
of state and the government guarantees have given me the personal conviction
that they will do it, and they will do it well."
Under Fifa's newly-introduced rotation principle, South Africa is set
to become the first African country to host world soccer's biggest event.
In 2014 the tournament is due to move on to South America, with Brazil
and Colombia vying to stage the competition.
On Friday, Blatter said it was not yet decided if the World Cup would
continue its rotation from South America to Asia -- with the two Americas
counting as a single geographical entity -- or instead return to Europe.
European soccer leaders, including Uefa president Michel Platini, believe
Europe should host the tournament every three editions, in reflection
of the continent's importance to the sport.
"I know Europe and especially England is very keen to get the World
Cup back in 2018 but we cannot make any promises yet," Blatter said.
"In November we will decide whether Brazil or Colombia stages the
2014 World Cup and at that time we will also take the decision on if the
rotation continues."
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