Fifa is confident that South Africa will ensure the safety of football fans during the 2010 World Cup, the world soccer body said on Wednesday.
Fifa spokesperson Markus Siegler was addressing the 2010 Fifa World Cup media day held in Sandton.
He said Fifa is aware of the social problems South Africa faces, and hopes the World Cup will help the country overcome them.
Local organising committee (LOC) member Tim Modise said that government has shown its determination to improve security as 30 000 police officers will be deployed to match venues during the tournament.
Meanwhile, Durban authorities said that the city is way ahead of other host cities in preparing for the World Cup.
The Ethekwini municipality’s head of strategic projects, Julie-May Ellingson, said that a court action brought by the losing bidders for the construction of the new stadium had not caused any delays.
”Everything is very much on schedule … the preferred bidders are on the site and there has been no delay.”
She said the municipality is working with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal to create a tourism market in the rural areas.
”We want people who will come to Durban for the World Cup to visit the rural areas and spend money in those areas.”
Durban city manager Michael Sutcliffe said that the city is ready to host the 2010 preliminary draw on November 23 this year.
”The Durban International Convention Centre is unique and is the biggest and best facility in Africa,” Sutcliffe said.
”From our side this is the kick-off. We are going to turn this event into something like a festival.”
LOC head Danny Jordaan said there is no need to worry about problems that arose in the construction of a stadium in Cape Town.
Jordaan said new costs emerged this weekend, but a technical team is negotiating with the preferred bidder.
”Cape Town is not an issue we are getting nervous about.”
The media workshop was attended by journalists, Fifa and LOC officials, representatives from host cities and sponsors.
The Fifa communications department conducted presentations on upcoming events leading to the World Cup, Fifa’s role in the tournament and how its media department operates.
The LOC also conducted its presentation on its achievements and future plans.
The workshop was opened by LOC chairperson Irvin Khoza, who said that smooth communication between various role players is essential in the build up for a successful Fifa World Cup in 2010. — Sapa