 The new ground will be built at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg |
South African President Thabo Mbeki and Fifa chief Sepp Blatter on Monday laid the foundations for a new football facility at FNB stadium. Fifa will pay for the building, called Safa House, which is due to be completed by next July.
It will serve as headquarters of the 2010 World Cup organising committee and Fifa's temporary home during the finals.
FNB stadium will be one of the main venues for the World Cup finals.
"It's time to build this house upon which its foundation lies trust and confidence from Fifa that South Africa will host a good World Cup in 2010," Blatter said.
Last year, South Africa won the right to become the first African country to hold the World Cup finals.
Organisers hope to keep construction costs to a minimum by refurbishing existing venues and only building new stadiums in areas where there is a need for a sporting complex which will be used after the event.
South African authorities say they are confident the country will cope with the influx of tourists during the event, but there are real concerns about the lack of good quality public transport for visiting fans.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version