体坛英语新闻：Mandela may be at World Cup final in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, July 8 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's iconic former President Nelson Mandela, 91, may attend the FIFA World Cup final at Soccer City, Johannesburg on Sunday night, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Thursday.

And if Mandela is there at the end of the match he will be given the honor of presenting the World Cup trophy to the winner.

"If he comes and stays to the end (of the final) then it is possible he will present the trophy," Blatter told a press briefing in Johannesburg.

Mandela, who will be 92 on July 18, rarely makes public appearances, and when he does they are usually brief.

Sunday's match between Spain and the Netherlands kicks off at 8.30 p.m. and the weather is expected to be cold. It would be highly unusual for him to attend the whole match and the handing over ceremony under such conditions.

However, Blatter said it is a possibility.

"We all know the reason why Madiba (Mandela's clan name) could not attend the opening ceremony also at Soccer City, due to sad bereavement in his family. But we hope he can attend the final. Presenting the trophy would be a fitting honor for South Africa and Africa as Mandela was one of the driving lights to bring the World Cup to South Africa," he said.