worldcup2010saelected

"Each member of the Executive Committee was called on by the General Secretary to cast his vote by
secret ballot. Under these conditions, we can only know the choice of each Executive Committee member
by asking them individually," answered Mr Blatter to a journalist's question before giving the floor to the
winning delegation.

"This is for Africa," said a remarkably controlled Irwin Khoza "For 44 million South Africans, this is for
you. We have the jewel in the crown of sporting events."

Over recent months Nelson Mandela had campaigned tirelessly to promote his nation's bid.
Sitting next to Mr Blatter, South Africa's former president, who had spent 27 of his 85 years in prison
under the apartheid regime, could not hold back his tears and they fell freely down his cheeks.

"I feel like a young man of 15," he said to laughter. But, typically, Mandela's first thought was for others -
the people of Morocco, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia: "You must not be discouraged. It is no reflection of
your efforts. Next time when you compete, you may be luckier."

A message to the people back home?

"South Africans should treat this decision with humility and without arrogance because we are, after all,
equal," he responded with a booming voice that sent a shiver down the spine, prompting one Egyptian
journalist to stand up and say "We love you Nelson Mandela".

Speaking through experience, Danny Jordaan, who had been involved in South Africa's one-vote
final-round defeat four years ago, also took time to sympathise with his African "brothers".
"The World Cup decision is a big victory for one and a massive defeat for others," he said. "But let us join
hands and move forward to deliver an outstanding world cup - so we don't have to wait 100 more years
to stage another one.

"The dream of a nation has come true today. Some South Africans may not have food or a job but they
now have hope. FIFA has said Africa is worthy. It is wonderful to be an African today!"

Speaking later, Jordaan believed the World Cup would not only be a success but help unify a nation.
"We have talked about this moment for four years. The world cup will help unify our people. If there is
one thing on this planet that has the power to bind people together it is football.

"My country is ready to welcome the world. With our colourful dress, songs and dances, I can assure you
2010 will be something the world has never seen before at a World Cup."



			Mandela: "We accept with humility and without arrogance" (FIFA) 15 May 2004 It was twenty-one minutes past noon both in Switzerland and South Africa when the envelope was opened, its contents withdrawn and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter long-awaited words, barely audible above the noise, spoken. At 12:21 on 15 May 2004, history had been made; it was the time of Africa and South Africa to stage the world's greatest sporting festival. "I am delighted that an African association has earned the right to host the FIFA World Cup," said the head of world football's governing body as the South African bidding delegation embraced before a press conference at the World Trade Center in Zurich. Meanwhile elated journalists, many sporting workman's helmets, blew "vuvuzela" plastic horns and sang the traditional African "Shosholoza" anthem in the packed auditorium. The South African team, including former president Nelson Mandela, bid chairman Irvin Khoza and chief executive Danny Jordaan, were invited onto the stage to answer questions. With 14 votes to Morocco's ten and Egypt's none, South Africa had been chosen as hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup? from the first round of voting.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela (L) holds up the World Cup Trophy as Irvin Khoza (R), SA 2010 Bid Chairman looks on after FIFA President Joseph Blatter announced that South Africa will host the 2010 Soccer World Cup, in Zurich May 15, 2004. FIFA's Executive committee chose South Africa on the first round of voting ahead of Morocco and Egypt. REUTERS/Andreas Meier



		Host nation of 2010 FIFA World Cup? - South Africa Zurich, 15 May 2004 - South Africa will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup?, the first in the history of world football?s governing body to be held in Africa. With 14 votes, South Africa were declared as winners after the first round of voting. Morocco received 10 votes, while Egypt did not tally any. FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter announced the results of the vote at a media conference held today, Saturday, 15 May 2004, at the World Trade Center in


	Zurich in the presence of high-ranking government officials of the candidate countries as well as hundreds of media representatives from all around the world. In a short address prior to announcing the host nation, Blatter thanked the five bidders for their excellent work and stressed: ?The winner is Africa. The winner is football.? Convening on Saturday morning to discuss the applications for the final time, the FIFA Executive Committee only had to deliberate over four bids, as prior to the associations? presentations on 14 May, the FIFA Executive Committee had once again confirmed that the FIFA Statutes did not provide for a co-hosting arrangement. This confirmation led Tunisia to withdraw its bid. Furthermore, during its final deliberations, the Executive Committee came to the conclusion that it could no longer consider Libya?s bid as it did not meet all the stipulations laid down in the official List of Requirements. The executive also thanked the Libyan Football Federation for its work during the bidding procedure. The result of the vote represents the highlight and climax of an 18-month procedure that began at the end of 2002 with the African member associations invited to declare an interest in hosting the tournament. As well as the five countries that submitted full bid files and received visits from the FIFA Inspection Group between October 2003 and the end of January 2004, Nigeria had also shown initial interest but decided against following it up at the end of September 2003. In 2000, following the dramatic result of the voting for the host nation of the 2006 FIFA World Cup? with Germany prevailing by 12 votes to 11 (with one abstention), the FIFA Executive Committee decided to introduce a rotation policy for the FIFA World Cup? and accorded Africa the right to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup?. FIFA?s flagship event will be held in South America in 2014.

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