FIFA chief Sepp Blatter confident in SAfrica security plans for World Cup, asks for trust

Blatter confident in SAfrica WCup security plans

ZURICH — FIFA president Sepp Blatter expressed confidence Friday in South Africa’s security plans for the 2010 World Cup.

South Africa proved in recent sporting contests, including last year’s Confederations Cup, that it can stage the tournament successfully, he said.

“FIFA definitely has trust and confidence in South Africa. We saw that the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was well organized, so now it is time for the whole world to put its trust in South Africa’s ability to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” Blatter said.

He spoke after a two-day security workshop that included World Cup organizing chief Danny Jordaan and team security and police representatives from 29 of the 32 participating nations.

“Security is a matter for the government, and we have received adequate guarantees in this regard, so there is no reason to have any doubts,” Blatter said. “The FIFA World Cup is about enjoyment, and I am convinced that we will have a wonderful festival in South Africa.”

South Africa’s National Commissioner of Police Bhekokwakhe Cele also was present in Zurich to outline the host country’s preparations for the June 11-July 11 tournament.

Jordaan said: “We have successfully hosted other great sporting events in recent years, including the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, and we are certain that this will be the case again in 2010.”

South Africa president Jacob Zuma said Thursday in London that South Africa would provide a safe and secure World Cup.

South Africa suffers from high crime, including one of the worst homicide rates in the world.