South Africa hits back at FIFA

DURBAN: Reacting angrily to FIFA's threat of taking away the hosting rights of 2010 soccer World Cup, South Africa has asserted that it is well ahead of schedule in its preparations for the mega-event.

FIFA Chief Sepp Blatter's comments that the governing body may award the rights to either Australia or Europe if South Africa failed to meet the deadlines miffed the local organisers but they said they remain undeterred by the criticism.

"As far as we are concerned we are well ahead of our plans for the construction and renovation of the stadiums for the 2010 tournament," Local Organising Committee spokesperson Tumi Makgabo said in an interview on Monday.

"Those making such negative statements should provide us with details as to how we will not be ready. We have the facilities at the moment to hold a highly successful tournament," she added.

Accusing the media of distorting Blatter's comments to present a negative picture of the African nation's preparations, Makgabo said a FIFA fact-finding mission had returned satisfied after inspecting the facilities some time ago.

"Even Mr Blatter has not said that we will not be ready but certain elements are reporting his comments in a negative manner," she said.

"The commission had not made any negative comments about the progress we are making," she added.

South Africa is currently constructing new stadiums in Durban, Cape Town and near Pretoria. Several other stadiums in Johannesburg and other cities of the country are also being renovated.