FIFA: 2010 cup very profitable

Johannesburg - World football body FIFA has doubled its income since 2006 by hosting the World Cup in South Africa, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said on Thursday.

"Commercially it has been a success," Valcke said at the launch of special courts dedicated to deal with cup-related crimes. "In fact, we have increased our income by 50% since 2006 in Germany to 2010 in South Africa."

Valcke said this money would be invested in football development. He said 80% of countries in Africa "would not have football" if it were not for FIFA's funding.

"If we don't have money, it means football will collapse," said Valcke.  FIFA received a lot of criticism for "taking over South Africa" and that it was "just about money", but, said Valcke, "it is to protect football".

He said none of FIFA's commercial partners decided to drop their support because the tournament was being held in Africa for the first time.

Valcke was confident that foreigners visiting South Africa during the tournament would be safe. "I hope, definitely, that these courts will not have to work at all," he said.

A total of 56 special courts dedicated to deal with 2010 World Cup offences started operating on May 24.

These dedicated courts were officially launched at a ceremony at the Randburg Magistrate's Court in Johannesburg on Thursday.

- Sapa