Only 18 African countries visited by FIFA have soccer stadiums
safe enough to allow them to host World Cup qualifiers, the world
governing body said on Monday.
FIFA officials completed an inspection of 50 of the continent's
53 football playing nations in June. They did not visit Kenya,
Somalia or World Cup hosts South Africa.
The inspections follow FIFA's decision last year to insist on
better safety standards at international matches, particularly
World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA have also embarked on a programme to install artificial
turf in at least one stadium in all African countries except South
Africa.
No dates have been set for next year's Africa qualifiers.
(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2007)