2010 board postpones decision on PE

The fate of Port Elizabeth as a venue of the Fifa Confederations Cup 2009 remains undecided.

The Board of Directors of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (SALOC) and a Fifa delegation led by Secretary General Jerome Valcke decided on Tuesday during their meeting at Safa House to postpone their decision to their next meeting in April. This was based on a detailed report compiled by the Organising Committee Technical Team (OCTT) on the progress made in the stadium construction process.

Following extensive deliberation, the 2010 Board and Fifa unanimously requested that the OCTT re-address the content of its report and revert to the board accordingly so the board can make a firm and final decision.

“We have sent a clear message to the Host City that it must work, during the next month-and-a-half, to prove categorically that it can meet the required deadlines. We have committed to the country and the world that we will present world-class events and we want to give all stakeholders the opportunity to put their best foot forward,” said Irvin Khoza, Chairman of the 2010 SALOC Board.

The board stressed that it is imperative that the stadium be delivered according to the Fifa technical requirements and timelines which have already been provided.

"These timelines are not just about the delivery of the stadium structure but also to ensure that there is sufficient opportunity for testing of the facility and training directly related to the running of the facility, this includes security stewards, parking staff and hospitality among others.

"t is a difficult decision, but with only 15 months to go we have to make sure that we do not jeopardise other activities related to the tournament operation,” stressed Jerome Valcke, who added: “This Stadium bears the name of the big man who, at the host announcement in 2004, told of how inspirational this tournament is to him and therefore it’s extremely important to ensure that this stadium live up to his legacy."

The Board reiterated that it is crucial that this decision be made in April so as not to place any additional risk on the already significant task of organising the FCC09.

There is no question at all about the ability of PE to deliver the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, on time, for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Both the Board and Fifa agree that this will be a great stadium that will provide legacy that will last well beyond 2010 and in fact, the city must be commended for the significant progress made over the last months

Among other key matters discussed during the meeting:

POWER CRISIS

The Board received an update from Eskom on the status of its efforts to address the electricity shortage in South Africa as well as it’s plans moving forward which include an inspection and analysis visit to Germany at the end of March with the former 2006 LOC and members of EnBW.

Eskom advised that it is working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the entire country has electricity without failures, during the tournament in 2010 and beyond. The government of South Africa has also committed itself to investment in the infrastructure, logistics, communications and security that will be needed to ensure that Africa’s first Fifa World Cup is a resounding success. This includes the provision of complete infrastructure such as lighting, electricity lines and emergency power supplies.

In terms of the matches and the event operations during the tournament itself, Fifa and the LOC can guarantee that these will be fully secured by sufficient generators at all the stadiums for both the Fifa Confederations Cup 2009 and the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

FINAL DRAW

The City of Cape Town was re-confirmed as the preferred bidder to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup Final Draw in December of 2009. The Board will confirm the host city for the event during its next meeting scheduled for April 2008