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South Africans miss historic chance

By Paul Martin of Live Africa and Sport Africa, Rediff.com's Southern Africa Correpondent, in Zurich

A grudge by New Zealand has cost South Africa the historic chance to become the first African nation to host the Soccer World Cup.

In the final ballot, after an 11-11 draw in the previous round, New Zealand declined to vote. It seems New Zealand was miffed by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, when FIFA two years back refused to allow Oceania an automatic place in the 2002 World Cup final rounds.

Ex-President Nelson Mandela phoned the New Zealand delegate this morning, and possibly also the New Zealand Prime Minister, but to no avail.

Had the votes been tied 12-12, Blatter would have swung the issue South Africa's way, with his casting vote.

Later at a press conference, Blatter pledged to continue fighting for an African country to host a World Cup. He said the choice of Germany was 'a conservative action in favour of a football giant'.

But he said it is 'vital for world football to take risks and widen football's world appeal'.

South Africa has already said the defeat is also a breach of FIFA's rules of fair play. Kaizer Matung, owner of the biggest South African soccer club, Kaizer Chiefs, and a key campaigner for the South African Bid, told Live Africa: 'Fair play applies off the field as well. To have ten World Cups in Europe and none in Africa, when our Bid was declared in the top category, is unfair and wrong.'

Earlier Report: SA favourites for 2006 World Cup

External Links:

• Germany triumphs in battle of the bids
  
• Fifa seen as racist by South Africans
  
• Prize still somewhere over Rainbow
  
• Germany and South Africa go to the wire