2010 FIFA World CupTM Boosts South African Pride 14 May 2009   The prospect of playing host in 2010 to the most-watched sports event on earth – the FIFA World Cup™ – is giving South African pride and confidence a solid boost according to the latest market research conducted on FIFA's behalf. These findings are from the second instalment of a six-wave public opinion survey and show a pronounced upward trend in South Africans' anticipation of the event as well as a deeper understanding of the benefits it can bring to the host nation...   Read More... World-Class Producers For 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Opening And Closing Ceremony Announced 14 May 2009   The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) today announced the internationally renowned VWV Consortium as service providers to produce the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 opening and closing ceremonies. With exactly one month to the kick-off of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 at Johannesburg's Ellis Park Stadium on 14 June 2009... Read More... Mauritius Joins Southern African Countries Gearing Up For 2010 10 May 2009   Mauritius has teamed up with the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ to join Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and hosts South Africa in a top line-up of accommodation providers. The initiative, which was announced today (10 May)...     Read More... High praise from UEFA for South Africa's 2010 progress 26 March 2009   The Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, Dr Danny Jordaan, has given the Union of European Football (UEFA) Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, a comprehensive update on the country's preparedness to host the soccer showpiece.     Read More... IFAB Approves Extension Of Additional Assistant Referees Experiment 02 February 2009   The International FA Board (IFAB) convened in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland today for its 123rd Annual General Meeting (AGM). After having received a report on the experiment involving additional assistant referees conducted during UEFA U-19...   Read More... Rich Mkhondo joins 2010 Organising Committee as Chief Communications Officer 28 November 2008   The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) is pleased to announce the appointment of seasoned journalist Rich Mkhondo to the position of the OC's Chief Communications Officer. Mkhondo hails from Katlehong and started his journalistic career at the Rand Daily Mail in 1984, before moving to the Reuters agency, covering 15 southern African countries. .. Read More... FIFA President To Defend Specificity Of Sport At Meeting Of European Union Sports Ministers 26 November 2008   There will be an informal meeting of the Sports Ministers of the European Union member states in Biarritz, France on 27 and 28 November. The FIFA President will be part of a strong delegation from the Olympic and sporting movement led by Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, and including, among others, René Fasel...       Read More... Peruvian Football Association Suspension 25 November 2008   FIFA has suspended the Peruvian football association (FPF) with immediate effect from 25 November, in accordance with article 14 of the FIFA Statutes and carrying the sanctions provided for in paragraph 3 of that article, namely: the suspension of all international sporting contact for its clubs, national teams, referees and officials. Read More... FIFA Completes Worldwide Distribution Of 2010 TV Rights With Nigeria 25 November 2008 With the awarding of the free-to-air terrestrial TV rights to the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), FIFA is pleased to announce that it has today completed its worldwide placement and distribution structure of the 2010 media rights. Read More... Bafana Bafana Aim At FIFA Confederations Cup Title 22 November 2008 National Team Coach, Joel Natalino Santana, says Bafana Bafana will target no less than winning the FIFA Confederations Cup when the country hosts the tournament from 14 to 28 June 2009. South Africa is in Group A and play the opening with Asian champions, Iraq at Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg on 14 June 2009 at 4pm Read More... Jordaan Delighted After Slick FIFA Confederations Cup Draw Show 22 November 2008 The Draw for the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009, held tonight at the Sandton Convention Centre, was a glamorous, African affair.   “It was slick, professional and highly insightful of our rich South African culture,” said 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa Chief Executive Officer Danny Jordaan.   Read More... All matches in sub-Saharan Africa on free TV through strategic alliance with AUB 30 October 2008   On the occasion of the General Assembly of the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB) in Cotonou, Benin, FIFA today (29 October 2008) announced another major milestone on the way to the first FIFA World Cup™ on the African continent in 2010. FIFA and the AUB concluded a strategic cooperation agreement for the handling of the over-the-air television and radio rights for the sub-Saharan region for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.   Read More... FIFA And SALOC Inspection Sees Considerable 2010 Construction Progress 10 October 2008   FIFA and the 2010 Organising Committee concluded on Thursday (9 October 2008) a ten-day inspection tour of all ten FIFA World Cup stadiums with warm praise for the general 2010 construction status. “Overall we are happy with what we have seen in the facilities...   Read More... FIFA And SALOC Inspection Sees Considerable 2010 Construction Progress 10 October 2008   FIFA and the 2010 Organising Committee concluded on Thursday (9 October 2008) a ten-day inspection tour of all ten FIFA World Cup stadiums with warm praise for the general 2010 construction status. “Overall we are happy with what we have seen in the facilities...   Read More... Zakumi - Official Mascot Unveiled In Johannesburg 23 September 2008   626 days before the start of the first African FIFA World Cup™ at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on 11 June 2010, the cloud of secrecy surrounding the Official Mascot has been lifted.   Embedded in a vibrant African-themed live TV show that was broadcast nationwide, Zakumi today (22 September 2008) made his official debut in front of an audience of millions on South Africa's primetime SABC Coca-Cola Soccer Zone.... Read More... Joseph S. Blatter Happy With The Progress Of 2010 FIFA World Cup Preparetions 17 September 2008   FIFA President Blatter today (17 September) completed his four day visit to South Africa with an encouraging assessment of the preparations of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “I am very pleased with what I have seen over the last few days, in particular in the stadiums. The progress being made is good.   Read More... FIFA President Pays Courtesy Visit To ANC President Jacob Zuma 17 September 2008   The FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter today (17 September 2008) concluded his four-day stay in South Africa with a courtesy visit to Jacob Zuma, the President of South Africa's governing political party, the African National Congress (ANC)....   Read More... Blatter Presents Mandela With A Special FIFA World Cup Trophy 16 September 2008   FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter today (Tuesday, 16 September) paid tribute to “his friend Madiba“ during a private audience at the Nelson Mandela Foundation with a very special gift. To commemorate the historic moment on 15 May 2004 when the former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, emotionally raised the iconic trophy right after the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ was awarded to South Africa...   Read More... FIFA President Impressed By Advancements At Greenpoint Stadium 16 September 2008       FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter continued his four day trip to South Africa on Monday with a visit at the construction site of Cape Town's 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium and declared himself "very impressed" with the advancements made since he last visited the stadium in June 2007, when the construction had barely started.   Read More... Upbeat Blatter Thanks Mbheki For Government's Support 14 September 2008     FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter today (Sunday, 14 September) kicked-off his four-day visit to South Africa with an audience with the President of the Republic of South Africa Thabo Mbeki at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.   Read More... New Zealand's Exciting White FIFA Confederations Cup 2009TM Line Up 08 September 2008     South African sports fans know all about New Zealand's famous rugby “All Blacks”, but they will soon be welcoming New Zealand's “All Whites” soccer team to their shores... Read More... FIFA World Cup TM: First "FIFA World Champions Badge" Presented To Italy 03 September 2008     Joseph S. Blatter today presented the very first “FIFA World Champions Badge” to reigning world champions Italy in Coverciano ( Italy). The squadra azzurra are the first national team to receive this badge, which from now on will be awarded after every FIFA World Cup™ final competition. The reigning world champions will be able to wear the badge until the next FIFA World Cup™...   Read More... FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 Volunteer Process Closes With 37 408 Applications 01 September 2008   The volunteer application process for the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 closed this weekend, with a whopping 37 408 South African residents responding to the call for volunteers. The process opened on 1 July 2008 and closed on Sunday August 31, with the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) inundated with tens of thousands of applications from South African residents wanting to volunteer to be part of the first major FIFA event in the country – and for the chance to write their names in the history books... Read More... FIFA Secretary General Impressed By Iconic Soccer City Stadium 09 July 2008     FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke was very impressed with his first visit to the iconic Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg today. The giant 94 700-seater stadium will be the historic tournament's showpiece that will host the opening match and final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™...   Read more... Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth Dropped From FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 Schedule 01 July 2008     The Board of Directors of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) today took the decision to remove Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth from the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 schedule, after receiving a report from the OC's Technical Team (OCTT)... Read more... Drive to recruit FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 volunteers begins 01 July 2008     Thousands of South Africans will from today get the unique opportunity to be part of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009, as the volunteer application process for the tournament got underway...     Read more... Medical Advisory Team and Venue Medical Officers announced 11 June 2008   Today the 11th of June 2008 represents exactly two years to the kickoff of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and it is appropriate at this stage to reflect on important milestones on the journey to the first African FIFA World Cup. One of them is the provision of health and medical services for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, a key task in the event operations requiring wide-ranging skills and expertise.   Read more... LOC, PSL And SAFA See Eye To Eye 20 May 2008 T he 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding with the South African Football Association and the Premier Soccer League at SAFA House, Johannesburg today.     Read more... Four Years On And Excitement Is Mounting For 2010 FIFA World CupTM 14 May 2008   It was on 15 May 2004 at the World Trade Centre in Zurich that FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter unveiled South Africa as the stage of the first FIFA World Cup on African soil, sparking scenes of boundless joy among millions of South Africans on the country's streets. Four years later the FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter is more determined than ever that the country will play “magnificent”...   Read more... FIFA Confederations Cup To Be Played At Five Venues - Port Elizabeth Remains 12 March 2008     After comprehensive analysis and tight monitoring over the last few months the Board of Directors of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (SALOC) today (6 May) confirmed that the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 will be played at five venues as originally scheduled. This means that Port Elizabeth/Nelson Mandela Bay will be kept in the match schedule following guarantees provided by the city and its delegation to the Board meeting.     Read more... Match Schedule, Regulations And Prize Money Approved 12 March 2008   Meeting for the first time on 12 March, the Organising Committee for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, chaired by FIFA Vice-President and CAF President Issa Hayatou, approved the regulations and the match schedule for the competition. The 2009 tournament is to take place at either four or five South African venues from 14 to 28 June. Read more...   2010 Board Postpones Decision On Port Elizabeth 04 March 2008   The fate of Port Elizabeth (P.E) as a venue of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 remains undecided. The Board of Directors of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (SALOC) and a FIFA delegation led by Secretary General Jerome Valcke decided today (4 March 2008) during their meeting at SAFA House (Johannesburg) to postpone its decision to its next of six Meeting in April. Read more... FIFA and OC to inspect six World Cup venues 15 February 2008 Preparations for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ are gathering pace in South Africa’s Host Cities. From 18-22 February 2008 football’s world governing body FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee will complete a joint inspection tour of six of the World Cup venues. Read more...               South Africa launches official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ slogan 25 November 2007   Africa is a continent with a rich reservoir of resources, but the continent’s biggest asset by far is the warmth, friendliness, humility and humanity of its people. This was the inspiration for the Official Slogan of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™: “Ke Nako. Celebrate Africa’s Humanity”. The slogan was launched by the Chairman of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, Irvin Khoza... Read more...               Preliminary draw format and final competition match schedule ratified –ticket prices and categories approved 24 November 2007  Meeting today (24 November) in Durban under the chairmanship of FIFA vice-president Issa Hayatou, the FIFA Organising Committee for the 2010 World Cup™ approved the match schedule for the final competition (cf. separate document), which will take place from 11 June to 11 July 2010... Read more...               Satyam signs up as first Indian FIFA World Cup™ Sponsor 24 November 2007 FIFA announced today (24 November) that Satyam, a leading global consulting and information technology services provider, has become the first Indian company to sign up as a FIFA World Cup™ Sponsor. This historic agreement awards Satyam global rights for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa... Read more... Official emblem of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 unveiled in Durban 22 November 2007 With the launch of the official emblem, the curtain on the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 was officially raised today (22 November) during a ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Durban. Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Organising Committee, unveiled the visual icon of the “Festival of the Champions” in the presence of FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke... Read more... Edgars to operate official event stores in South Africa 21 November 2007 The preparations for the Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Stores moved full speed ahead with today’s (21 November 2007) appointment of South Africa’s largest retailer, Edgars Consolidated Stores (Edcon), as official operator in the host country. The official event stores will be located within 160 branches of Edgars throughout South Africa, with the first shop scheduled to open later this month to coincide with the preliminary draw in Durban on 25 November. Ten further stores will follow on 26 November countrywide in South Africa... Read more... Organising Committee delighted with resolution of stadium strike 19 November 2007 The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) is extremely happy that a possible strike at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium has been averted. “We are delighted that the matter has been settled and will continue to focus on ensuring that the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be completed on time. We want to give credit to both union and construction leaders... Read more... We need a Habana for Bafana – Jordaan 22 October 2007 The impact of the Springboks’ stunning World Cup victory has inspired the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) to work even harder to ensure the tournament’s success. “I want to congratulate the Springboks for their commitment and dedication. Seeing the nation coming together after the Springboks’ win again reinforced the ability of major sporting events to act as a unifier and a glue that binds the nation... Read more... 2010 Board pleased with Preliminary Draw preparations 16 October 2007 The Board of Directors of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) met today at SAFA House and expressed its satisfaction that the overall preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 remain on track. Read more... South Africans To Vote For the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Poster South African residents will have the unique chance to make their voice heard as of 11 September 2007 by voting for one of three designs to become the official poster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the first to be staged on African soil. While only people living in South Africa can take part in the ballot, everyone around the world will be able to have a first glimpse of the choice of artworks on the official website www.fifa.com/posterduring the selection phase. The voting process will be supported by an extensive print campaign in Media 24 newspapers across South Africa to ensure that everybody in the host country can make their choice. Read more... South Africa unites behind 2010 success with 1000 days to go Johannesburg, September 13 2007 South Africans from all walks of life will gather in their thousands around the country on Saturday 15 September 2007 to mark the 1000 Day Countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup(tm). The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) and the South African government are satisfied that all preparations for the tournament are on track to deliver on the country's promise to host the best FIFA World Cup(tm) ever. And as the country reaches this important milestone, it is time to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation, Read more... Beckenbauer Excited at the 2010 Progress 07 September 2007 The great Franz Beckenbauer visited the construction site of Cape Town's 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium™ today (September 7 2007) and declared himself "very very impressed" with South Africa's preparations for the event. Beckenbauer, who is now a FIFA executive member, is in South Africa for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Read more... Inspections The FIFA President has just completed a two-day visit to South Africa where he met the President of the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, his Deputy, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and the board of directors of the South African Local Organising Committee (SALOC) chaired by Dr Irvin Khoza and featuring, among others, South African Football Association President Dr Molefi Oliphant and SALOC CEO Dr Danny Jordaan. Read more... Cape Town Logo In the shadow of the Green Point stadium construction site, the Premier of the Western Cape, Ebrahim Rasool, and the Mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille, showed FIFA President their welcoming symbol to the world. Indeed, Joseph S. Blatter, was immensely pleased by the "very attractive logo". Smiling, he added that this was "a commitment of the city of Cape Town to officially be registered as a host city". Read more... SA is Focus Country Cape Town – With South Africa identified by Italy as a “focus country” for the period 2008 to 2010, strong attempts have been made during the visit by the Italian delegation to strengthen business links. The intention to strengthen business on top of already-strong political ties was underscored by the presence of over 125 Italian entrepreneurs in the three-day visit to South Africa that ends today Read more...