He said that the 2010 World Cup will also enable South Africa's neighboring countries to play a major role. One important element will be to offer a welcome to those players and spectators from around the world who come to visit their countries. For many people the 2010 World Cup will be their first visit to the African continent, and a trip of one or two hours will take them into other neighboring countries. This will provide an opportunity for these countries to develop their tourism. Some soccer teams for the 2010 World Cup may also choose to train for their matches in South Africa's neighboring countries said Jerome Valcke, FIFA Secretary General.
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FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke spoke at the 2010 World Cup Press Conference held in Beijing on August 21, 2008.
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South Africa won the right to host the 2010 World Cup in 2004, but since then persistent doubts have been cast on its ability to host such a prestigious sporting event. Concerns have been expressed that issues like racism and the country's high crime rate could place the tournament in jeopardy.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter hinted in July that FIFA also had a "Plan B" in case South Africa would not be able to host the event. He indicated that an alternative host might be sought.
Confronted with questions on this "Plan B", Jerome Valcke would only emphasize that FIFA is working closely with South Africa to ensure that the 2010 tournament will be the best World Cup ever. He acknowledged that: "You must have a contingency plan if something happens in the host country (South Africa) that is not under your control… That's exactly what Mr. Blatter meant when he talked about 'Plan B'."
But Valcke claimed that for the time being there is no need to work on "Plan B", nor is there any need to look for alternative hosts.
(China.org.cn, August 22, 2008)