Blatter says 2010 World Cup will stay in South Africa

SYDNEY, Oct 29 (Reuters) FIFA president Sepp Blatter has dismissed suggestions the 2010 World Cup could be moved from South Africa to another country, insisting the event will proceed as planned.

Rumours have been circulating in the media for months that FIFA were looking for an alternative host country because of concerns South Africa had fallen hopelessly behind in their preparations.

But Blatter, in an interview broadcast on Australian television network SBS today, said the speculation was wrong and the tournament would remain in South Africa.

''They will be ready, no problems they will be ready,'' Blatter said.

''The plan C and B in my opinion is still South Africa.'' Australia had been suggested as a possible option after local soccer officials announced they would be willing to take over the running of the 2010 tournament, but Blatter said Australia would have to wait their turn.

The 2014 World Cup has already been promised to South America, leaving 2018 as the earliest opportunity Australia could even lodge a bid to stage the tournament.

''Australia shall be an option for organising the next World Cup after 2014,'' Blatter said.

''Australia can also be an option to take one of the big youth competitions of FIFA, for instance the under-20 World Cup.

''This is now something that Australia should be attached to...

but definitely not from South Africa.'' REUTERS PM VV1232