FIFA sets deadline for World Cup Stadium Port-Elizabeth

Final decision on World Cup stadium in host city PE made in April

FIFA and the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) has set a deadline, 29 April, by which the Nelson Mandela Metro has to meet certain requirements in order to be one of the five stadiums to host the 2009 Confederations Cup.

LOC Chairman, Irvin Khoza on Tuesday said Port Elizabeth (PE) was for now still part of the five stadiums but there were still requirements that need to be met from the side of the city.

"A decision will be taken on whether or not PE will be one of the 2009 Confederation venues on 29 April 2008.

"But the ball is in their court and they have to give us the comfort that they will be ready for the Confederations Cup," Mr Khoza said.

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said: "To have the FIFA Confederation Cup in PE is a must, and we are doing everything we can to assist the city, but again they have to give us some assurances by 29 April."

Chief Executive Officer of the LOC Danny Jordaan said South Africa was building five new stadiums for the 2010 World Cup, with each stadium taking about 31 to 34 months to be completed.

"PE however, is the only exception that took the challenge to build a new stadium in 24 months and they will be given all the necessary support to ensure that the Confederations Cup takes place in the city," Mr Jordaan said.

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Nondumiso Maphazi highlighted that the city is committed to meeting the deadline set by FIFA, adding that outstanding issues at the stadium include the numbering of seats as well as accommodation around the city.

Last month, the mayor said the metro would "honour our commitments as a host city", including the "completion on deadline" of the multipurpose stadium for the Confederations Cup in 2009 and hosting of the world cup.

"We are absolutely confident that our hosting of both the Confederations Cup and the World Cup will leave a lasting, sustainable legacy."

With regard to accommodation, the mayor said a five-star hotel was under construction, other premium hotels were "dramatically increasing their bed capacity, and we are working closely with neighbouring municipalities to ensure that we fully meet the accommodation requirements."

In addition, she said, the local university, bed-and-breakfast establishments, caravan parks and private homes were also part of the accommodation product mix.

With regard to 2010 transportation, Ms Maphazi said the metro was introducing a bus rapid transit system which would provide commuters with an ultra-modern public transport system that would be "highly efficient and customer-orientated, fast, safe and comfortable to use and integrated in terms of fares and modes.

She said it was anticipated that the system would be operational by 2010.

Molo says: "Read more about the host cities, the stadiums as well as the fan parks that we are having prepared for the 2010 world cup."

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