New Delhi - Nelson Mandela plans to skip the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in June, his grandson told AFP on Wednesday.
Asked if the 91-year-old would be present as hoped for by organisers, Chief Mandla Mandela replied: "Certainly not. My grandfather at this age is very elderly and we are not trying to intensify his programme."
"He's said he would prefer to be at home in the rural countryside to spend time at the farm," Mandela said in an interview with AFP during a trip to India.
"What we understand is that during the World Cup he will be given the opportunity to rest in the countryside."
A final decision will be made by the family and the Nelson Mandela Foundation closer to the start date on June 11, he added.
Last Friday, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was hopeful that Mandela would be healthy enough to open the finals.
Asked if the 91-year-old would be present as hoped for by organisers, Chief Mandla Mandela replied: "Certainly not. My grandfather at this age is very elderly and we are not trying to intensify his programme."
"He's said he would prefer to be at home in the rural countryside to spend time at the farm," Mandela said in an interview with AFP during a trip to India.
"What we understand is that during the World Cup he will be given the opportunity to rest in the countryside."
A final decision will be made by the family and the Nelson Mandela Foundation closer to the start date on June 11, he added.
Last Friday, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was hopeful that Mandela would be healthy enough to open the finals.