 A German fan reacts to his side's 1-0 loss to Spain |
Fifa has said that fans who missed Wednesday's World Cup semi-final between Spain and Germany because of airport congestion may be compensated. Durban's King Shaka Airport turned away flights after an increase in private jets took up all its landing slots. Fifa spokesman Nicolas Maingot told reporters the governing body would look into the cases of fans affected. He also said match security will be tightened after an Italian fan invaded the field of play holding a vuvuzela. The fan ran on to the pitch during the opening moments of the first half of the second semi-final - won 1-0 by Spain - before being caught by security.  The intruder ran on to the pitch moments after the game kicked off |
Maingot described the incident as "certainly not acceptable", adding that Fifa will "tighten the controls again" ahead of Sunday's final between Spain and the Nertherlands. The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban was reportedly 1,800 short of full capacity for Spain's 1-0 victory over Germany. King Shaka Airport was so congested that even planes which landed successfully had to take to the air again and divert to the other local airport, Durban International. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) blamed VIP jets for making five flights - carrying approximately 700 fans - late by not moving after landing, therefore blocking landing space for the other planes.  | We are going to be more forceful. If aircraft refuse to move we will tow them away ACSA operations manager Themba Maseko |
Some fans missed the entire match. Airport officials have now said that VIP jets will be towed if they refuse to make way for commercial airlines at Johannesburg Airport on Sunday. "We are going to be more forceful. If aircraft refuse to move we will tow them away," ACSA operations manager Themba Maseko stated. ACSA chief executive Monhla Hlahla told a local radio station that "priority had to be given to VIPs who were caught up in the situation", adding that Fifa planes were allowed to land before commercial flights. South Africa's transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele has apologised to the fans and vowed to "strengthen" plans for the remainder of the World Cup. Highlights - Germany 0-1 Spain
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