Tournament News
Blatter calls on Mandela
2010-03-01 14:17
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Madrid - FIFA president Joseph Blatter has once again defended the decision to award the 2010 World Cup to South Africa, the first time football's premier event will be hosted in Africa.
Blatter said some of the criticism launched at South Africa over its preparations for the June 11 to July 11 event was because of "prejudice" against the country and Africa in general.
"The problem is that that people don't believe the Africans are capable of hosting a World Cup," the 73-year-old said.
"On the other side, the Europeans are asking themselves 'Why a World Cup there? We could do it better.' Yes, they definitely could do it better but we know that already."
The Swiss, who turns 74 on March 10, questioned the reasoning behind the reservations expressed by many about South Africa's ability to host the World Cup.
"Why are they afraid? Are they reticent, is it a racial or cultural problem? Why don't people want to make the trip to South Africa now? Why?"
Blatter pointed out that, in his view, the excuse of security concerns didn't add up.
"There has been a Rugby World Cup, tennis and golf. There's theatre, opera and Formula One testing was staged in Kyalami. Everything has been here, everything, so why would we not want football? That is the big question for me."
Rather than thinking about the negative reporting, Blatter said he was concentrating on the opening match between the host nation and Mexico in Soccer City on June 11, a match he hopes former South Africa President Nelson Mandela can attend.
"We are all wishing for this but he is at a stage where one day he really may no longer be with us.
"I once had breakfast with him in Zurich and he said 'My dream has come true'. You have to be there for it, I told him."