> Bid leader Danny Jordaan said, "Africa is a member of the FIFA family, and a family can't keep feeding one child and leaving the others to starve - which is what they have done today.

"The World Cup would have made a major impact to our country, our continent and our lives."

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Bailey, a member of the South African delegation added, "This is a major, major blow to African football and Africa socially, politically and economically."

Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton was clearly upset with England's lack of success.

"To say that I am disappointed would be an understatement," he said.

"Me and my team have put in days, weeks and months of effort to try and get the bid and be successful for England. But it hasn't happened."

"I am also deeply disappointed the African continent has not got it. They came so close."

Hurst

Sir Geoff Hurst shared Charlton's sentiments, saying: "I'm a little bit surprised because it's only in the last 48 hours that Germany have become favourites.

South African president Thabo Mbeki spoke to his country just minute after the announcement.

"Of course the disappointment we're experiencing today is a setback to our efforts at gaining the recognition that Africa deserves in the international sporting community," he said.

"We are confident that our bid was sound in all respects, but a few of the final arbiters, from their unique vantage point, clearly had their own view different from ours."

"Next time we will win."

Germany won the right to host the tournament 12-11 on votes, with one crucial abstention.