FIFA president Sepp Blatter praises Confederations Cup but problems remain for World Cup

Blatter praises Confed Cup, but problems persist

JOHANNESBURG — FIFA president Sepp Blatter gave Confederations Cup organizers an encouraging grade of 7.5 out of 10 on Monday while stressing work remains on transportation and housing for next year’s World Cup.

The Confederations Cup, in which Brazil rallied past the United States 3-2 in Sunday’s final, was a dress rehearsal for the World Cup and was considered a major success on the field. But Blatter and FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke say the tournament revealed problems that must be resolved in 11 months when the World Cup makes its debut in Africa.

By the time of the World Cup draw in Cape Town on Dec. 4, Blatter says the organizers may merit a score of 8 and possibly 10 by the end of the monthlong, 64-game showcase.

“I am a very satisfied and a very happy president of FIFA, together with our friends in South Africa,” he said. “We know there are logistics that we have to work on. There are problems and transport linked with accommodation — we don’t intend hiding behind compliments.”

“This is a special matter,” he added, “because South Africa is expecting 450,000 visitors for the World Cup, fans from all round the world who want to find somewhere to sleep and it’s not easy to go to camping sites because it is winter time and they have to be transported from one venue to another. This is a big challenge.”

Valcke said a successful World Cup depends on overseas visitors being satisfied with facilities. Organizers are still 15,000 hotel rooms short of their target and could accept offers on lodging from neighboring countries.

“Transportation is an issue, accommodation is an issue,” he said. “These are things that have to be done. Yes, the park and ride does not work. Yes, the media shuttle system has not worked. Yes, the signage has not worked. It was difficult to come in and out of the stadium.”

Still, Valcke is confident organizers can fix these problems.

“We have to take into consideration that hundreds of thousands of people will be coming to South Africa for the World Cup,” he said. “But there’s not a single issue where we have the feeling that in 11 months we might not be able to solve them.

“Around the final draw I am sure we will be able to tell you exactly what are our solutions are to all these issues we are facing from the Confederations Cup.”