World Cup organiser mulls vuvuzela ban

World Cup organising committee head Danny Jordaan on Sunday did not rule out banning vuvuzelas, the noisy plastic trumpets which have proved a hit with fans in South Africa but threaten to deafen players and viewers alike.

Criticism of the vuvuzelas has been almost as loud as the instruments themselves with broadcasting companies complaining the din is almost drowning out commentary.

“We’ve tried to get some order,” said Jordaan.

“We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or during stadium announcements. I know it’s a difficult question,” he added, saying that “we’re trying to manage the best we can.

“We heard from the broadcasters and individuals and it’s something we are evaluating on an on-going base.

Jordaan told the BBC in an interview that he had to consider the option of banning the trumpets.

“If there are grounds to do so, yes,” he said, asked if a ban was an option.

France captain Patrice Evra said the incessant noise was a factor in his side’s poor display in their draw with Uruguay.

According to Evra: “We can’t sleep at night because of the vuvuzelas. People start playing them from 6 a.m. We can’t hear one another out on the pitch because of them,” the Frenchman added.

Jordaan said: “I would prefer singing” and called on fans to chant instead.

“In the days of the struggle (against apartheid) we were singing, all through our history. It’s our ability to sing that inspired and drove the emotions.”