16 Dec 2008Blatter: World Cup will go ahead in South Africa

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Sepp Blatter has confirmed today (December 16th) that the World Cup will definitely go ahead in South Africa in 2010.

The Fifa president had hinted in June that there were back-up plans in place should the country fail to prove that it was ready to host the showpiece tournament.

However, Blatter has moved to dispel those suggestions and reaffirmed that the competition will take place on African soil for the first time as planned.

He said: "There is no Plan B, C or D - for those who still have doubts, I tell you the 2010 World Cup will be organised in South Africa.

"I will be proud because it is a little bit like my baby. I've had a dream for 34 years to bring the World Cup to Africa."

There have been reports that work to bring stadia and the country's infrastructure up to the required standard has not been progressing at the necessary rate.

However, Blatter's comments appear to indicate that the hosts will have the chance to participate in their first World Cup since 2002, when they were knocked out in the group stages.

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