No way World Cup moving from South Africa, says Blatter

FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Monday insisted there was no way the 2010 World Cup would be moved from South Africa, saying any 'plan B' was now firmly dead and buried.

Rumours have persisted that the tournament could be pulled from South Africa if it failed to meet organisational deadlines after Blatter admitted earlier this year that FIFA had contingency plans.

But he moved to reassure everyone involved that South Africa would host the event, which he described as 'my baby'.

“There definitely is no plan B or C. The only plan is to make the South African event a success,” he said at a press conference here alongside Danny Jordaan, the head of the 2010 organising committee.

“If there are still doubters, let me say that the 2010 World Cup will be organised in South Africa,” he added from Japan, where he is attending the Club World Cup.

South Africa will become the first African nation to host football's four-year showpiece event, with FIFA now confident that all necessary facilities will be ready in time.

There had been concern that the 10 World Cup stadiums — five new, five upgraded — would not be finished, while the country's crime rate, where 50 murders happen every day, was also a worry.

But all the issues were being dealt with, he said, adding that it would fulfil a lifelong ambition of his to see the tournament held in Africa.

“Football is the most popular game in the world and in 2010 Africa will show that it is able to host a World Cup,” he said.

“I'll be proud because it is my baby.”

The Confederations Cup in June next year will be a key test of South Africa's World Cup preparedness.