Hilal says Egypt are not out of the running yet

Morocco and South Africa are widely considered as the neck-and-neck favourites to win the vote with Egypt, Libya and Tunisia the outsiders.

But Egypt's minister for Youth and Sports Ali el din Hilal says it is far from certain which country will host the tournament.

Hilal said: "With the exception of possibly two members of Fifa who have already made their positions known, most of them say they will keep their final decision until 14 May."

I think it's all part of the psychological warfare. Ali el din Hilal Egypt's Sports Minister

Michel Platini of France and Angel Maria Villar Llona of Spain have publicly backed four-time bidder Morocco, but the other 22 members of Fifa's executive have, in the main, kept their cards more firmly to their chests.

But Hilal said the major deciding issue was the reports of the inspection teams.

"One major factor which has not been released yet is the reports of the inspection group," he said

Platini has already pledged his vote to Morocco

"Some people say we have a guarantee of six...seven votes. I think it's all part of the psychological warfare. No one can be guaranteeing anything."

When asked if the jammed streets of the Cairo metropolis could cope with the added traffic, Hilal said the finals would also be staged in seven other cities to alleviate concerns about the capital's already straining streets.

"In our bid, we make a number of commitments such as the extension of the metro to the airport," he said.

Incidentally, Egypt were the first African nation to take part in the World Cup finals in 1934 and qualified a second time in 1990.