Sales of 2010 packages surprise

Johannesburg - Over $115m (about R 1.1bn) worth of 2010 World Cup hospitality packages have been sold to South African companies, the Local Organising Committee told a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The packages included tickets for all games to be played during the 2010 Fifa World Cup, transport to stadiums and facilities like private suites, lounges, marquees, catering, parking and entertainment.

Optional extras included accommodation in lodges across the country, game drives and trips to neighbouring countries.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Fifa secretary general Jérôme Valcke said the package sales indicated the "strong confidence of the corporate world in South Africa's capabilities to stage a fantastic World Cup in 2010.

"Fifa is extremely pleased to hear that hospitality sales are far surpassing all set targets. The sales are going at a much faster pace than for Germany 2006 for the equivalent period. This is yet another indication of the attractiveness of the Fifa World Cup," Valcke said.

While some stadiums were still under construction, raising fears that they might not be ready for the event, Valcke assured the media that all stadiums would be ready.

"The four stadiums for the Confederations Cup (2009) are on track. We are left with six months to the Confederations Cup and we'll be ready for kick off," he said.

His views were shared by Issa Hayatou, chairperson of the Fifa organising committees for both the World Cup and the 2009 Confederations Cup.

"We are satisfied as far as infrastructure is concerned... really happy with what has been done now," Hayatou said through an interpreter.

A volunteer programme was also on track, with over 30 000 people having applied to volunteer during the Confederations Cup. However, only 5 000 would be chosen.

LOC chief executive Danny Jordaan said the selection process was currently underway and was expected to be completed by December.

"Training has already started. Some of the volunteers helped during the Nelson Mandela Cup and the overall response to those who worked during that game was very positive... We are really happy with that," Jordaan said.

Also discussed at the briefing were budgets for both the Confederations Cup and the World Cup.

Jordaan said a budget of "just over R4bn" had been drawn up and submitted to Fifa.

- Sapa

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