Share

Mbalula: No AFCON crisis

Johannesburg - The local organising committee (LOC) and the government remained confident on Friday that their favoured eight cities would agree to host the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

No cities had officially withdrawn bids to host matches during the tournament, LOC chief executive Mvuzo Mbebe told reporters in Johannesburg.

"Most of the cities say they are waiting for the national government, but otherwise they are happy to sign [the hosting agreement]," Mbebe said.

Media reports suggested Cape Town and Johannesburg had considered withdrawing bids to host matches during the continental tournament, due to financial constraints.

Mbebe said Cape Town was among potential hosts not yet willing to sign the hosting agreement.

"They have raised concerns, but we are dealing with those issues with the City of Cape Town."

The government had not raised a red flag, according to Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, despite the resistance from Cape Town, which offered the Cape Town Stadium, a 2010 World Cup venue.

"It is not a crisis if a certain city looks at its budget and does not agree with what the LOC has put before them," Mbalula said.

"It is just that some people are overzealous in making comments in the media."

Details of the hosting agreement, including the budget, would be revealed once they had been through government channels.

"We are making progress, but the matter must go through the Cabinet system," Mbalula said.

Mbebe said hosts cities would cater for as many as four teams each, offering potentially lucrative financial gain.

"There will be fans going to those cities and there will be an economic boost," he said.

No further comments would be made on the tournament preparations, Mbalula said, until the government had followed due process.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE