ACTUALITE |
10.10.2001
Terror crisis will not stop World Cup draw, say organisers
SEOUL,
World Cup organisers insisted Wednesday the draw for next year`s tournament will go ahead as planned on December 1 despite reports it could be postponed because of the US air strikes in Afghanistan.
But South Korean authorities announced military and police commandos will form security teams to protect the football finals, which are being co-hosted by Japan, and the Asian Games which will also be in Korea next year.
Japanese media reports said the World Cup draw, scheduled to be held in the city of Pusan on December 1, could be called off because of the international terrorist crisis.
But Moon Dong-Hoo, secretary-general of the Korea World Cup Organizing Committee (KOWOC), said there would be no change to the schedule of events.
"Some World Cup preliminary games are still to be played in Asia, but none of those countries affected by the military action have qualified for the finals," Moon said.
"Therefore it is not proper to raise questions over the World Cup schedule at this time," he said.
KOWOC also released a statement reaffirming preparations for the draw for the eight groups for the World Cup.
"The final draw event for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan will be held in Pusan, Korea`s second largest city, on Saturday, December 1," declared the statement.
About 3,500 people including top dignatories from the international governing body and the 32 nations qualified for the finals are expected to be present.
The South Korean army meanwhile said its anti-terrorist and rescue operations unit would team up with police commandos and navy specialists to guard the World Cup, which runs from May 31 to June 30 next year.
The network will be responsible for the security of World Cup venues, athletes and foreign guests, it said.
The army will also provide some 2,300 soldiers for the Asian Games to be held in the southern city of Pusan from September 29.
After the September 11 suicide strikes on New York`s World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon, South Korea has already announced measures such as no-fly zones over the country`s 10 World Cup stadiums.
But police promised to impose even tighter security after the United States and China were added to the competing teams.
The host nations will take a final look at preparations to guard teams after the December 1 draw, officials said.
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Hits: 1 | Source:Internetsoccer | |
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