|
|
FIFA president Sepp Blatter: World Cup 2010 has been a 'success'
Swiss not worried about empty seats at grounds...
5 Jul 2010 19:11:00
By Matt Monaghan
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has declared World Cup 2010 a success with the first tournament to be held in Africa coming to a close.
Critics of the decision to bring the competition to the continent stated that problems about high travel fees and crime rates would deter supporters from making the trip.
Speaking to reporters in South Africa on Monday, Blatter was in bullish mood about the attendance figures for games.
"More than 500,000 fans will have come to South Africa and the figure may be even higher," he said.
FIFA had admitted earlier this year that ticket sales had not been as productive as forecast and empty seats have been in evidence at many of the matches.
Blatter insisted, however, that he was "happy" about the turnout and the presence of statesmen such as Germany chancellor Angela Merkel and former USA president Bill Clinton.
"The forecast from 'old Europe' was the fans wouldn't come - well here they are," Blatter added.
"I am a very happy president today and I hope I will be happy until the very end of this week.
"There is a political dimension to football too - how many heads of states have come to visit South Africa, and they all want to make sure they have the pictures taken in the stands. That's the power of football.
"Football gives emotions in this deranged world. Look at the news and you see the world appears to have suddenly stopped and the TV cameras will after 12 July be used everywhere else in the world.
"We are giving hope to the world that perhaps through football we can become better human beings."
Critics of the decision to bring the competition to the continent stated that problems about high travel fees and crime rates would deter supporters from making the trip.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Speaking to reporters in South Africa on Monday, Blatter was in bullish mood about the attendance figures for games.
"More than 500,000 fans will have come to South Africa and the figure may be even higher," he said.
FIFA had admitted earlier this year that ticket sales had not been as productive as forecast and empty seats have been in evidence at many of the matches.
Blatter insisted, however, that he was "happy" about the turnout and the presence of statesmen such as Germany chancellor Angela Merkel and former USA president Bill Clinton.
"The forecast from 'old Europe' was the fans wouldn't come - well here they are," Blatter added.
"I am a very happy president today and I hope I will be happy until the very end of this week.
"There is a political dimension to football too - how many heads of states have come to visit South Africa, and they all want to make sure they have the pictures taken in the stands. That's the power of football.
"Football gives emotions in this deranged world. Look at the news and you see the world appears to have suddenly stopped and the TV cameras will after 12 July be used everywhere else in the world.
"We are giving hope to the world that perhaps through football we can become better human beings."
Our 
provides the best breaking news online and our 
football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!
provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
