FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter believes that the 2010 World Cup is going to bring many things to the people of Africa, particularly hosts South Africa.

"In fact it has already done so by giving job opportunities to a lot of people since preparations began four years ago," Blatter told FIFA.com.

He added: "The Football For Hope programme is also going to help a lot too, and media coverage of the event will show the rest of the world and South Africans too that "Yes they can", just as President Barack Obama says so often. He could well be at next year's showcase, in fact, as I have invited him to attend the Opening Match. And finally, the World Cup will also leave infrastructures behind it."

Blatter said he is now convinced more than ever that FIFA did the right thing by awarding the 2010 World Cup to South Africa.

"There are too many people who don't have enough confidence in Africa and I don't know why. It is a continent that has given us so much and it's time to give it something in return. And look, our economic partners have shown their confidence and television too. They will be there in 2010.

"It's only right and I believe that it was a moral obligation of ours to give the World Cup to the Africans," explained Blatter.

Meanwhile, Blatter reassured the South African soccer fans that FIFA will not ban the vuvuzelas in 2010 even though there were complaints about their noise from some teams playing in the Confederations Cup.

"Yes, the vuvuzelas are different. And honestly I don't hear them any more. We have brought the World Cup to Africa where the atmosphere and the culture are different.

"What message would we be sending out if we said, 'We are going to prohibit the instrument you use to express your joy'? That would be discrimination, pure and simple," commented Blatter.


RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook