(ATR) FIFA President Sepp Blatter says a back-up plan is in place just in case South Africa is unable to host the 2010 World Cup.
In an interview Monday with the BBC, Blatter said that the United States, England, Japan, Spain, Mexico and Australia would all be ready to step in. Despite the contingency plan, Blatter said he is confident South Africa will be prepared to host the tournament.
"It was the same case in Germany," Blatter said. "Something can happen: a natural catastrophe or whatever, a big change in society - everybody against football. But then for the time being the plan B is South Africa, and the plan C we definitely must have a possibility to go somewhere else, but it must be a natural catastrophe."
South Africa has said on numerous occasions that despite ongoing renovations and building of 10 stadiums for the World Cup, the country will have all their preparations ready in time for the tournament.
“On the 2nd of April the secretary general of FIFA (Urs Linsi) said we have made wonderful progress,” said Danny Jordaan, South Africa 2010 Local Organizing Committee chief executive.
“As far as we are concerned there is no question South Africa is going to host the 2010 World Cup, it is going to be an excellent event. We are on track.”
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