FIFA chief attempts to alleviate security concerns surrounding 2010 South Africa World Cup

(WFI) FIFA president Sepp Blatter moves to calm fears over security arrangements for the 2010 World Cup, insisting it will be a safe and secure tournament for football fans.

“Let’s go there and be in a hospitable country which is saying ‘please come to South Africa and we will receive you well’. This is what you should expect and this is what we expect,” Blatter told a media briefing in Zurich on Monday following the ceremonial start of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour.

“Please support us by saying let’s go there and trust the South Africans and South Africa. They are ready to organize the game and your security. But 100 percent security you will never find it anywhere in the world.”

Blatter dealt with questions on security with some irritation in his voice; in the build-up to the 32-team tournament in the Rainbow Nation, the FIFA chief has been forced to provide reassurances on security issues almost every time he speaks to media.

What is certain is there will be high-level security in and around the 10 stadia in nine host cities. The problem lies in ensuring the safety of the 450,000 visitors expected to attend matches. Nearly 50 people are reportedly murdered every day in South Africa, one of the highest murder rates in the world.

But Blatter said the Confederations Cup in June, together with the country’s staging of rugby and cricket World Cups and other international events, proved that South African law enforcement authorities were perfectly capable of managing security at next year’s FIFA showcase.

“There was not one single incident in security [at the Confederations Cup] and still questions are coming ‘what about security’,” said Blatter, adding that the country also welcomes more than 11 million tourists every year.

Asked if South Africa 2010 had been the most difficult tournament to organize, Blatter said FIFA raised the bar with each World Cup and admitted that “maybe” preparations were more difficult than Germany 2006.

“It is easier to organize in South Africa than when we had a combination in 2002 in two different countries [Japan and S. Korea],” he insisted.

“It will be a success because we trust the organizers in South Africa but also our World Cup team led by secretary general Jerome Valcke.”

Launch of World Cup Trophy Tour
Blatter was joined by Muhtar Kent, the chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola, and Roger Milla, Cameroon's legendary striker, at the ceremony staged at FIFA’s Zurich headquarters today.

The route of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola was unveiled. The solid-gold trophy is set to embark on its longest ever global tour, visiting 86 countries during a 225-day journey.

Designed to allow thousands of fans to enjoy a close-up view of football’s greatest prize, the trophy will travel 134,017 km (83,274 miles) and visit every nation in Africa in the build-up to the June 11-July 11 tournament next year.

Later this week, the trophy will be flown from Zurich to its first stop in Cairo, Egypt.

“Through this event, we are really engaging football fans on a global scale, giving them the unique opportunity to have their picture taken with the most prestigious prize in world football and to embrace the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup," said Blatter.

"I am especially thrilled that the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour takes in all 54 nations in Africa and that this opportunity is thus afforded to all African football fans. None of this would have been possible without a strong and loyal partner such as Coca-Cola," he said in a speech on Monday.

Coca-Cola's Kent added: "Our programs to support the 2010 FIFA World Cup, such as the Trophy Tour, will leave a lifelong impression on consumers that helps to reinforce loyalty and preference for our business and our brands," said.

Free tickets to the Trophy Tour will be made available to consumers via Coca-Cola promotions in countries en route.

Joseph Tripodi, Coca-Cola’s chief marketing and commercial director, also announced the company's global marketing plans for the 2010 World Cup at today’s press conference.

He said the campaign, focusing on the idea of spontaneous celebration, will be Coca-Cola's “best campaign” ever. It will ask football fans the question: “What's your celebration?”.

Coca-Cola global TV advertising will include one spot with 1990 World Cup star Roger Milla from Cameroon. Milla, the oldest player in the tournament, attained legendary status for his goal dancing celebrations.

Written by Mark Bisson

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