What are the Australian football authorities playing at? These last weeks they have been exuding rumours suggesting that South Africa’s preparations to host the 2010 World Cup are facing serious problems.
A few days ago, South Africa’s head of the Local Organising Committee, Dany JORDAAN, sent a letter of protest to the Australian foreign ministry to denounce Australia’s attitude as unfair. By the fact John O’NEILL, head of the Australian Football Federation (AFF) made the following statement last september: “We’ve got to be ready to be absolutely opportunistic. There are all sorts of question marks about infrastructure or requirements in South Africa. Australia doesn’t have those problems.” Besides, Australia’s Daily Telegraph quotes Prime Minister of New South Wales, Morris IEMMA, who said that Australia has “the capacity to step into the breach at a moment’s notice. If it can’t come off with South Africa, and there are doubts that it can, then we are by far the best alternative.” The answer from the South Africa authorities on the matter is clear: “There is no question about it. The event will be held in South Africa.”, said Ronnie MAMOEPA, spokeman for the South African foreign ministry, who said that Australian behaviour is “totally inacceptable.”
Unfortunately for the Australian part, the head of the visiting delegation of FIFA to South Africa, Horst SCHMIDT, expressed the total satisfaction of the world football Board on the way preparations are being careed on in South Africa. “FIFA is very happy and satisfied with the progress made.”, said Mr SCHMIDT.
Australia seems to forget that the decision has definitely been made by FIFA: whatever might happen, time has come for Africa to host the 2010 World Cup, be it in South Africa or in another African country. It should concentrate its efforts on trying to fulfill its intent to host the 2018 World Cup.
(Source: BBC Sports)
27/11/2006 |
