The 2010 FIFA World Cup may still be over three years away, but FIFA General Secretary Dr Urs Linsi has already seen enough from the tournament hosts to be convinced that football's next global showpiece will be a roaring success.

Dr Linsi recently visited South Africa to see for himself how work is progressing, and afterwards he spoke to the South Africa 2010 Organising Committee to reaffirm that preparations for the tournament are well underway and firmly on track.

2010 Organising Committee: How has the working relationship been between FIFA and South Africa's 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee? 

Dr Urs Linsi: We have had many meetings in South Africa and have found the people very professional and the support of the South African government to be absolutely outstanding. The promises they've made, they've always kept. It's wonderful.

What are your impressions of the preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup thus far?
We are very pleased with what has been achieved in South Africa in the last two months. Progress is really visible. You can look at Soccer City and you do not recognise it any more - it's really impressive.

How important is it to FIFA that the FIFA World Cup is coming to the African continent for the first time?
What the African continent has offered to the world is huge, and not only in football. But if you go to all the leagues in the world, you will see how African players are enriching those leagues. We would not have the standard of football we have around the world if it were not for African players. So if you look at what the African continent has given to the world, you can't compare it to what the world has offered Africa. It's time to give something back - that's more than deserved.

How significant is it that a record 204 entries have been received from FIFA associations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup preliminary draw? 
It shows that the whole football family is behind the World Cup. Even those countries who are unlikely to qualify want to be part of the 2010 World Cup. The expectations are immense. Football is proud to have the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

What are the biggest challenges ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
The challenges are huge, there's no question about that. The construction of the stadia is the main issue. The reserves of time are tight. We have to move forward, we can't lose time any more. We're on track and we're very positive. We know we need to continue like this and FIFA will monitor the progress very closely.

How important will the 2010 FIFA World Cup be for South Africa? 
South Africa is a democratic country now. Never has such a young nation been the host of a World Cup. What South Africa has already achieved as a society in 13 years, we can only compliment you. Wherever you go in South Africa the people are so warm and the atmosphere is great. People welcome you with open arms and broad smiles. There is a great flow of energy. It's very special. You can't have better hosts for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

And how important is the FIFA World Cup to FIFA?
The World Cup is priority number one for FIFA. The World Cup is unique. There's no other sport like football. There are many sports, wonderful sports, but none greater than football. Football is more than a sport. It has become a movement. It attracts everyone: men, women, children, young and old. No other sport attracts so many people around the world. You have all cultures, religions and political systems involved. Everyone's united in football. And the World Cup is football's highlight. It is the festival of festivals.

Given that 2010 will be first FIFA World Cup in Africa, will FIFA approach it any differently?
South Africa is on the same level as all other World Cups. The organisation and technique will be the same as in Germany or Korea and Japan. We have to be as professional, but there are so many elements that will make this World Cup unique. The hospitality, warmth and passion of South Africans guarantees that.

Source: Fifa.com


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