Soccer
CT snub AFCON event?
2012-04-10 07:28
Cape Town - Cape Town's R4.5 billion stadium may not be used for next year's African Cup of Nations (AFCON) because the city and football authorities are squabbling, it was reported on Tuesday.
The
Cape Times reported that AFCON has accused the city of dragging its heels because the event is African while the city is bemoaning high costs.
AFCON 2013 chief executive Mvuzo Mbebe told the newspaper: "Just because it's Africa, now the costs are too high".
He said AFCON's requirements were much lower than the soccer World Cup.
"What we've asked cities is that they must contribute accommodation, pay for catering at various VIP areas, security and referee costs."
Marketing and tourism mayoral committee member Grant Pascoe said the city had refused to pay the R26 million hosting price tag in the best interest of ratepayers.
"But we are serious about getting AFCON here," he said.
The province hit out at the SA Football Association, saying the AFCON 2013 demands "limitless guarantees" and would bankrupt host cities.
Mbebe said three cities had signed hosting agreements and another had made an undertaking to sign, giving four host cities.