Only God can prevent South Africa staging 2010 World Cup

JOHANNESBURG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Only God can prevent South Africa from hosting the 2010 World Cup, South African Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chief executive Danny Jordaan said on Tuesday.

"I have spoken to FIFA President (Sepp) Blatter and he reaffirmed that only God can prevent South Africa staging the World Cup in 2010," he told reporters in Johannesburg.

Jordaan was furious over reports in the local media quoting FIFA president Blatter as saying he had a Plan B in case South Africa was not ready to host the 2010 showpiece.

"I could not believe my ears and my eyes when I returned from watching the final of the Euro 2008 in Vienna, Austria yesterday (Monday). I got numerous calls from SA journalists wanting to know what is going on.

"I am amazed by these reports. Blatter has gone out of his way to bring the 2010 World Cup to South Africa. It makes no sense for him to say he has another plan. Obviously FIFA must have a plan if we suffer a major natural catastrophe, but that is all."

Jordaan added that 2010 hospitality packages had been selling better than expected. He stated he was not worried about the mounting crime in the country.

"We have staged rugby and cricket World Cups. We host rugby Super 14 teams here regularly. We had the Welsh and Italian rugby teams here last month and Manchester United visit us later this month (for the Vodacom Challenge). We did not have a single security problem at any of these above events.

"I do not believe we will have one security problem at the Confederations Cup or the World Cup."

The Confederations Cup was a dry run for the biggest soccer show on earth and would be staged in South Africa from June 14 to 28 featuring world champions Italy, Bafana Bafana plus the six continental champions, Spain, Egypt, United States, Iraq, Brazil and the soon to be crowed Oceanic champions.

Jordaan said: "If we had problems then why would countries such as the US be sending a delegation here at the weekend to check on their base camp and accommodation for the Confederations Cup?"

The 2010 LOC on Tuesday launched its campaign to employ 5000 volunteers for the Confederations Cup and 15,000 for the World Cup. They would come from all sectors of South Africa and be paid a nominal fee. Foreign volunteers will also be accommodated.

Jordaan also stressed he was confident stadiums for the Confederations Cup and World Cup would be completed on schedule, despite reports that some stadiums were lagging behind.