LOC CEO, Danny Jordaan attended the UEFA Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark recently to give a comprehensive update on the country’s preparedness to host the tournament.

Danny Jordaan’s briefing at the Congress was very positively received by some of the key figures in world football. At the invitation of UEFA President Michel Platini, Jordaan assured UEFA member associations at the Congress that South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup stadiums were on course to be completed by October this year – as per FIFA’s deadline. He also gave an encouraging update about the country’s transport, safety and fan park plans for the first (African) FIFA World Cup taking place in June next year. The LOC boss, briefed UEFA delegates about preparations for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, which is scheduled to kick off in June and which will feature reigning UEFA champions Spain and reigning world champions, Italy.

“UEFA is a very important stakeholder and it is important that we keep them briefed on our progress. Not only will Europe bring the highest number of teams to South Africa in 2010, but the European football associations also have well established fan clubs and we need to work with them to bring those fans to South Africa next year,” Jordaan said after his address to FIFA yesterday.

Most of the fans expected to visit South Africa for 2010, will come from Europe, with the likes of England, Netherlands and Germany traditionally having the largest fan bases at the prestigious tournament. It is estimated that 450 000 people are expected to arrive for the World Cup.

“Already well over 800 000 applications have been received for the 743 000 tickets that have been made available in this first round of ticket sales, many of them coming from fans in Europe. This means the tournament is already oversubscribed, but it is still of utmost importance that the associations know exactly what to expect in South Africa in 2010,” said Jordaan.

“The 2010 FIFA World Cup is of interest to all associations,” said UEFA President Michel Platini aas he welcomed Jordaan onto the stage at the Congress.

“The presentation was excellent and really gives confidence to member associations that everything in South Africa is well on track. The stadiums look superb and we are also very impressed by the number of security personnel that will be deployed to secure the event and by the country’s track record in hosting major events. To have the World Cup in Africa is something many of us have dreamed of for years and without a doubt entrusting South Africa with the 2010 FIFA World Cup has been well placed,” commented Geoff Thompson, England’s former Football Association Chairman who was re-elected as a UEFA Vice President at the Congress, after Jordaan’s briefing.

Thompson also commented on the number of tickets already purchased by English fans, stating that it was evident that they are gearing up in their thousands to travel with their team next year.

There were also warm words of praise for South Africa’s 2010 preparations from German football legend Franz Beckenbauer.

“I am convinced that it will be a wonderful World Cup. With the organising talent that South Africa has, the country has nothing to worry about.”

These sentiments were echoed throughout the delegation and it was said that a successful World Cup should echo the culture of its people and country and with a collaborative effort from the main contractors Grinaker-LTA/Interbeton Joint Venture who are responsible for constructing both Soccer City Stadium (flagship venue for the tournament) and Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, both of which are progressing very well.