"Only God can move World Cup"

  1. Posted on Sunday 8 February 2009 - 06:23
    Mernat
    Image of Mernat
    Mernat Mafirakurewa, AfricaNews reporter in Johannesburg, South Africa
    Only God can move the 2010 FIFA world cup from South Africa, the Local Organizing Committee chief executive, Danny Jordan told parliament on Friday. He said besides God, only a natural disaster could lead to it being moved elsewhere.
    2010 logo.jpg
    Briefing the parliament’s sports and recreation portfolio committee on the country’s preparedness to host the world class event, he said “Plan B” was long dead adding that there was no other country that was ready to hold a world cup in less than 18 months.

    “We are going to deliver this event, there is no doubt about that. We have some of the best stadiums in the world and have a track record of hosting world class events. We have the experience.

    “We have hosted the rugby and cricket world cups, All Africa games, the Athletics World cup and a number of other events. Only God can move this world cup. Only a natural disaster could lead to it being moved elsewhere,” said Jordan.

    “Soon we will be flooded by tourists. Our people need to know what to expect and how to access the services at the fan parks and public viewing places,” the committee noted.

    Jordan said the stadiums could only provide space for about three million spectators. In Germany during the 2006 world cup, close to three million spectators attended matches while 20 million people watched at the fan parks.

    “The fan parks offer a great world cup experience and everyone want to be there,” he added. “The local authorities would have to plan correctly to make sure they have the capacity to manage the crowds and make sure the areas are safe and secure. We strongly feel that the public viewing areas will have to be regulated,” Jordan noted.

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