"The tremendous response is extremely exciting and gives us a great deal of confidence. It is now even more important for us to ensure that the FIFA Confederations Cup will be a success. As the tournament approaches, we will continue to promote the tournament vigorously and ensure all South Africans embrace this exciting FIFA World Cup appetiser", said Dr. Irvin Khoza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee (OC).
With the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 just 100 days away as of March 5, 2009, preparations for the tournament have entered its crucial phase. Preparations for the "Festival of Continental Champions" was the major topic at today's OC Board meeting, also attended by a delegation from FIFA, led by FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke. "Now it's only about delivery. We cannot move the kick-off, we can't say 'sorry, there's going to be a delay," stressed Valcke, who added that the FIFA Confederations Cup comes at a perfect time to rehearse the operations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The continental showdown, which kicks off at Ellis Park on 14 June 2009 with the match between South Africa and Asian champions Iraq, is an important test for the infrastructure and operational plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, from security, stadium access control to transportation.
With a cumulative TV audience of more than 9 billion people in more than 140 countries, the FIFA Confederations Cup - across 16 matches in two weeks - is not only a FIFA World Cup dress-rehearsal, but a major international sports competition with exciting world-class players from every continent, which is shaping up to be an exciting precursor to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. South African football fans are encouraged to buy their tickets online via the official website FIFA.com or via hard paper application forms at FNB's 700 countrywide branches. "We're looking forward to seeing entertaining teams such as Spain, Brazil and Italy as well as all the other great teams. It will be football at its best, live right here in South Africa in June," Khoza said
The Board of Directors were also given an update on the promotional plans for the FIFA Confederations Cup, to be rolled out across South Africa. FIFA's Ticketing Sub Committee have also resolved that special initiatives would be introduced to provide access to group sales of FIFA Confederations Cup tickets to the South African football family and business communities.
The OC's Technical Team, in charge of monitoring the stadium construction, reported that good progress was being made at all four FIFA Confederations Cup stadiums, with the final aesthetic touches being applied to allow for the start of event specific installations by the beginning of April. This last preparation phase includes the set-up of temporary event-related facilities such as the stadium media centres, media tribunes, hospitality areas, ticketing and accreditation centres to meet FIFA competition standards and requirements. Ellis Park, which hosts the tournament's opening match as well as the final, is already fully operational, with the new parkade completed and the new pitch laid.
The Communications Department of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, Tel.: +27 11 567 2010; Fax: +27 11 494 3161 or email: , www.FIFA.com
