Speaking at the opening of the African National Congress's national general council in Port Elizabeth, the president described as condescending the attempts by some European sources to defend the decision.

Thabo Mbeki says the decision implies racism

He said the South African bid committee had been told by Fifa that the country was "not yet ready to stage the championships", but "would be ready to play such a role in the future".

But the president dismissed this, saying there was no question over South Africa's readiness, or ability to organise the tournament.

He suggested that instead the decision had gone against his country because of Europe's reluctance to see South Africa as part of the global community.

"The real question is when will some in Europe accept that Africa is not an irrelevant appendage whose marginalisation is, to some in developed Europe, an acceptable outcome", he said.

Disappointment

Mbeki went further, adding that the treatment of Africa was similar to how many in his country had been treated under apartheid.

South Africa had been favourite to hold the tournament, but lost out in the final round to Germany by a single vote.

Charles Dempsey's abstention cost South Africa the tournament

The South African bid team has discussed possible legal action against Fifa over the right of delegates to abstain.

But this has been dismissed by Fifa, who said that the vote had been conducted according to Fifa rules, and Swiss law.

In contrast to Mr Mbeki's words, the South African bid commitee have generally been rather more diplomatic, as they prepare a fresh bid for the 2010 tournament.