The German government on Thursday criticised Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness for his comments that having the World Cup in South Africa was a big mistake.

Hoeness, who was quoted in the local Muenchner Merkur daily as saying President Sepp Blatter made a mistake when South Africa was elected host for the tournament, also told the newspaper he would not travel to the tournament which faced new security concerns and low ticket sales.

Mr Blatter had to have his way

"I was never a friend of a World Cup in South Africa and Africa as long is the security issue is not 100 percent solved," Hoeness said.

"Mr Blatter had to have his way, I always considered it wrong. Now you have to make the best out of it [but] I am convinced that deep down Mr Blatter has realised that giving the World Cup to South Africa was one of the biggest wrong decisions he ever made."

German Ambassador to South Africa Dieter Haller dismissed this, saying his government had always lauded the FIFA family for having chosen South Africa as the host country.

"Uli Hoeness' statement in no way reflects the opinion of German authorities...," said Haller in a statement.

"Unfortunate" statement slammed

"It is unfortunate that such unfounded and irresponsible statements like the one of Mr Uli Hoeness tarnish Germany's excellent reputation in South Africa and undermine the manifold efforts of the German Government to work towards a result-orientated partnership governed by mutual respect and constructive engagement."

Haller said they were actively partnering with the South African authorities in various sectors to contribute to a successful event.

"I have no doubt in 135 days South Africa will be a wonderful host. We will see a very colourful event, in first class stadiums with passionate football fans [in] a safe security environment," he said.

There's been a lot of debate about security issues during the tournament, but officials have maintained it would be a safe and successful World Cup.

Haller said the president of the German Federal Criminal Office Joerg Ziercke confirmed during his four-day visit that he was impressed by the high standard of professionalism with which South Africa was preparing for the tournament.