White House: Obama has not made decision on attending World Cup soccer in South Africa

White House: Obama not committed to World Cup

WASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama has not made a decision yet on whether to attend next year’s World Cup soccer championship in South Africa.

Presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs was asked about the matter on Monday after at least one published report said Obama had accepted an invitation.

Gibbs said Obama has agreed to meet with the head of FIFA, the governing body of the sport, about the World Cup.

But as for whether Obama will go to the soccer event, Gibbs said: “We have not yet altogether made plans.”

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has invited Obama to the World Cup opening ceremony and said Monday that American leader told him he will try to make it.

The World Cup runs from June 11-July 11.