Share

'Tutu promised FIFA heaven'

Cape Town - Anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu promised FIFA top brass a first class pass to heaven if they granted then-World Cup hopeful South Africa the host bid, head of the Local Organising Committee Danny Jordaan, said on Monday.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate had told South African organisers that he would only support a bribe-free South African bid, Jordaan told the CNN Global Forum.

"Then we had our first meeting with the FIFA executive and Archbishop Tutu said: If you vote for us, I will make sure that you get a first class ticket to heaven," Jordaan quoted him as saying.

"I kept quiet and when we went out, I said: Arch but you said we must not bribe. Isn't that a bribe?"

Not a bribe

"He said: No, no, it's not a bribe. A bribe is only when you give things to people who are alive. In order to get their first-class ticket, they must first die. That's not a bribe."

Jordaan also paid homage to South Africa's first democratic president Nelson Mandela, who travelled the world to support the continent's first tournament which was granted in 2004.

"Madiba... his hands, his fingerprints, are all over all of these events," Jordaan said, referring also to the 1995 rugby World Cup which was seen as a racially uniting force in the country.

Mandela was in Zurich when South Africa's successful bid was announced six years ago.

"It was such an emotional moment for him and Archbishop Tutu. We have photos where he started dropping some tears and Archbishop Tutu took out his handkerchief to wipe off the tears."

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!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 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