"There are many new issues to be addressed, particularly after the terrorist attacks in America.

'Africa needs the World Cup' - Danny Jordaan

"Also, there is the issue of co-hosting, and whether Fifa will consider that after the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

"After these things are settled we will have a better idea".

Jordaan said next summer's World Cup will go a long way in deciding whether South Africa considers a joint bid, but seemed reluctant about the possibility.

"There are obvious advantages and very many disadvantages.

"Cost is a major consideration.

"As Fifa has seen with the 2002 World Cup there are two sets of organising committees, insurance covering 2 countries, and the logistics of two hosts.

"In countires on the African continent there may be huge differences in terms of infrastructure and economy.

"Japan and South Korea made their bid as a single country, so they had double the resources.

"If you take the decision to co-host this early, there is the danger that each country will take the view that they only have to supply half the effort. "The question of the co-hosts qualifying automatically has also been a nightmare for Fifa.

"If you have three or four countries as co hosts, are you going to have three or four qualifying automatically?

"There is a demand for places.

"Australia argue that they want an automatic spot for qualification. If you have three or four host countries it will be difficult because you have to take away a place from another federation".

South Africa hosted the 1996 Cup of Nations

Despite Jordaan's cautious approach South Africa were only one vote away from hosting the 2006 World Cup, and he insists they are ready.

"The infrastructure is there, as we have shown by hosting the cricket world cup.

"There is a general understanding, if not an acceptance, that we are ready, but we don't write the rules".

Jordaan feels there will be strong competition from other African nations.

"From the north I think the challenge will come from Egypt and Morocco.

"From the west Nigeria may throw their hat into the ring, and then there is South Africa".

And he stressed how important it would be for Africa as a continent to host the World Cup.

"Africa has waited a hundred years for the World Cup.

"It would be a tremendous boost, and it comes when African players are asserting themselves in Europe.

"I think it would help boost football on the continent.

"And more importantly would underpin football with a commercial and business dimension that clearly is needed to take African football to the next level.

You can hear all of Alan Green's interview with Danny Jordaan on World Football on Saturday 12 January. Check local listings for exact times. Or you can use the audio link at the top of the page.