20 Nov 2008South African health officials discussing smoking ban with Fifa

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

The South African health department confirmed on Monday (November 17th) that it is in negotiations with Fifa to ensure that all stadia are smoke-free during the 2010 World Cup.

Anti-tobacco legislation in the country prevents smokers from lighting up in enclosed public spaces such as restaurants or bars, in much the same way as UK laws apply.

Now health director-general Thami Mseleku has stated that he is talking to the world football governing body's local organising committee to make sure the ban is enforced during the showpiece tournament.

The Mercury quotes him as saying: "They did it in Japan...stadiums should be treated as closed areas."

Mr Mseleku, who was speaking at the start of the week-long conference of the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, said a range of initiatives will be put in place to make all venues smoke-free.

The department is expected to commence an advertising campaign and to put signs up at the relevant grounds when it gets the green light from the World Cup committee, while marshalls will be enforcing the rules during matches.

The South African World Cup is set to be particularly historic as it will be the first time football's most prestigious competition has been held in Africa.

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