2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) says that a wave of protests over poor public services will not affect preparations for the games, adding that all is ready for the final draw in Cape Town in December.

"Of course we hope these matters are resolved as soon as possible. For now it's not something we want to concern ourselves with," said LOC Chief Executive Danny Jordaan.

"It's mainly residential issues," he added.

Sporadic demonstrations in poor informal settlements demanding access to water, electricity and other services have turned violent in recent weeks, with police firing rubber bullets at rock-throwing demonstrators.

The final draw for the World Cup, determining match fixtures of the 32 qualifying finalist teams, is set for Cape Town on December 4.

Jordaan said all teams would be present for the draw, with 2000 guests, 500 print media and 500 broadcast media present for the event broadcast by 400 broadcasters, representing almost every outlet in the world.

"It is a week-long draw show that will have many, many activities... in what will capture the imagination of the world," said Jordaan.

He said the successful hosting of the Confederations Cup in June had ended international worries over South Africa's ability to host the continent's first World Cup.

Over 800 000 of 3.2 million tickets have already been sold, about 240 000 of them to South Africans.

Ghana, Europe and the United States have swept up tickets, and the final qualification of major teams shortly is expected to see a "spike in sales", he said.

"I have no doubt that we will sell out every ticket for the World Cup," Jordaan said.

AFP

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