/ 23 June 2009

Obama not yet committed to World Cup

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

Presidential spokesperson 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 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 on Monday that American leader told him he will try to make it.

The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 11, 2010. – Sapa-AP