FIFA dismisses Plan B rumours

THE Fédération Internationale de Football Association (International Federation of Association Football), commonly known by its acronym, FIFA has dismissed media reports that the federation had Plan B in case South Africa was not ready to host the 2010 World Cup because of the situation in Zimbabwe.

Media reports including those by Zimbabwean Diaspora radio stations reported Tuesday that FIFA has a Plan B.

“Only an act of God will prevent the 2010 World Cup finals being hosted in South Africa,” was the response given by the chief executive officer of the 2010 World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC), Danny Jordaan.

"I could not believe my ears and my eyes when I returned from watching the final of the Euro 2008 in Vienna, Austria yesterday (Monday). I got numerous calls from SA journalists wanting to know what is going on. Well, nothing at all this is old news.”

He continued: "I was taken by surprise because I had not seen any such reports in Austria. But I have spoken to Blatter and he reaffirmed only God can prevent South Africa staging the World Cup in 2010,” in reference to reports in the media quoting Fifa president Sepp Blatter as saying he had a Plan B because of the situation in Zimbabwe.

"I am amazed by these reports. Blatter has gone out of his way to bring the 2010 World Cup to South Africa. It makes no sense for him to say he has another plan. Obviously Fifa must have a plan if we suffered a major natural catastrophe but that is all."

The U.S. this week will be sending a delegation to South Africa at the weekend to check on their base camp and accommodation for the Confederations Cup.

People who wish to become volunteers are urged to apply on Fifa Confederations Cup South Africa 2009. The applications will close on August 31.