ACTUALITE |
16.11.2001
Africa`s World Cup share plan
Fifa President Sepp Blatter has told the BBC that the 2010 World Cup could be shared between two African countries.
Blatter said Egypt would be a genuine candidate to host the competition and that other countries would be keen on getting involved.
"I know that Egypt will be a candidate for the World Cup.
"Nigeria would also be a possibility but it`s a question of organisation.
"Africa is looking at the possibility of co-hosting - it is eager to share because the legacy of the World Cup would have a double effect."
But which African countries would agree to co-host is not at all clear.
The Chairman of International Relations at the Egyptian FA, Hicham Azmi, dismissed the idea out of hand.
"Lets be frank. Who are the three countries that are capable of hosting the World Cup? I believe it is South Africa, Morocco and Egypt.
"Other countries will be looking to host it, like Nigeria and Tunisia, but there are only three who will compete at the end.
"How can we have a co-hosting between Egypt and South Africa? Or even with Morocco? The distances are too long."
Egypt and Morocco are eight hours flying time from South Africa.
And it takes at least four hours to fly between the two North African countries.
Rotation system
Asked if he thought he would come under pressure to co-host, Azmi said, "No. We will insist on having a single hosting. We do not accept co-hosting. We can do it by ourselves."
Rivalry also counts against the idea of the World Cup being shared - there is no united African front.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) was unable to convince either Morocco or South Africa to pull out of the bidding for the 2006 World Cup.
The result was that the vote was split between the African candidates, and South Africa missed out on holding the competition by a single vote.
Despite Sepp Blatter`s desire to take the World Cup to Africa, the continent is not guaranteed the right to host in 2010.
Fifa has agreed to rotate the competition between the continents, and has agreed that Africa should be first in line.
But what has not been decided is when rotation should start.
Fifa should make the position clear at their Congress at the World Cup next year.
Then countries wishing to bid for 2010 must register an interest with Fifa by November.
Blatter is due in Egypt on Monday for hold talks with Caf.
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