Transport could cause problems for 2010: Fifa

FIFA says transport could cause problems for 2010 World Cup

FIFA says it is confident that the change of guard in the country's leadership after next year's general elections and the departure of Carlos Parreira won't affect 2010 preparations but the soccer governing body is worried about transport.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 11, 2010 in South Africa and will be the first time that the tournament has been hosted by a nation in the Confederation of African Football.

It is a known fact that Parreira is held in high esteem by FIFA and they had hoped he would take South Africa at least to the semifinals of the World Cup. Despite recent developments, FIFA is still optimistic. FIFA's General Secretary Jerome Valcke says: "I hope that the new coach will follow what Parreira had organised and prepared and that there will not be a gap in the preparations of Bafana Bafana and there will not be lack of confidence when they need to train for the FCC and the world cup."

Five new stadiums are to be built for the tournament (three match venues and two practice grounds), and five of the existing venues are to be upgraded at costs of up to R8.4 billion.

Improving transport infrastructure
In addition to the stadia being built and upgraded, South Africa is also planning to improve its current public transport infrastructure, and implement special measures to ensure the safety and security of local and international tourists attending the matches in accordance with standard FIFA requirements.

Meanwhile, Johannesburg will host the draw for next year's Confederations Cup on November 22 at a venue still to be announced.