FIFA World Cup Organisers celebrate 500 days Countdown to 2010

“We have come a long way since the 15 May 2004, and a lot has been achieved so far, with impressive stadiums taking shape and so many infrastructural improvements changing the face of South Africa, as we lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We have a great deal yet to accomplish in a very short time and we are on a very tight schedule. Despite the pressure, we are confident the preparations will be completed on time,” said FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke addressing media at SAFA House in Johannesburg, together with OC Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza and the OC CEO Dr. Danny Jordaan.

Irvin Khoza, Chairman of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa said that the 11 June 2010, when the tournament's opening match is played at the iconic Soccer City stadium, would be a historical moment. “The hosting of the World Cup will leave a substantial legacy for our country. But today is a day of celebration of the substantial progress we have made. I would like to thank each and every Host City for the magnificent work they are doing, in particular I would like to pay tribute to the tens of thousands of men and women around the country who are tirelessly striving to make this event a reality,” said Dr Khoza. FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter urged the world to trust South Africa and Africa to deliver a successful FIFA World Cup. “The challenge for South Africa is to deliver the FIFA World Cup - and to deliver it at the highest possible level. They will do it - especially with all the arrangements they have made in terms of construction, technical and logistical infrastructure; transport, hospitality, accommodation, etc - because this country is organised!” said Blatter in an interview with FIFA.com acknowledging the progress made so far.

Ten world-class stadiums are on track to be completed by the end of 2009, well ahead of the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup six months later. The four existing stadiums, Ellis Park, Free State, Royal Bafokeng and Loftus Versfeld, will get their dress rehearsal long before June 2010, because they will host the FIFA Confederations Cup from 14 - 28 June, this year. Transport, security and technology plans are all at advanced stages to ensure that teams and spectators are properly catered for during the tournament. Roads, rail and public transport projects have turned cities into building sites and the police have embarked on a massive recruitment drive increasing numbers by 41 000 to over 190 000. About 41 000 officers will be deployed specifically for the event.

The highlight of the 500-days-celebration was the launch of the official posters of the nine FIFA World Cup host cities, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein/Mangaung, Nelspruit, Rustenburg, Port Elizabeth/Nelson Mandela Bay and Pretoria/Tshwane.

The posters, each with their own themes and look and feel, markets and positions the cities not only as a tourist hot spot, but also as a destinations of choice for football fans. For further details on the posters please visit the official website www.FIFA.com after the unveiling at 17h00 local time (CET+1).

The embassy of reigning FIFA World Cup champions Italy kicked off the celebrations by visiting two schools in Bloemfontein/Mangaung as part of the OC's schools campaign. For the FIFA Confederations Cup, schools in all provinces have adopted a participating country and the Free State province has adopted Italy. The pupils will learn about the football and culture of those countries. Phil Masinga and Mark Fish, the former South African internationals who played in Italy for Bari and Lazio respectively, joined the Italians at this occasion.

The next important moment for fans will be on 20 February 2009 when ticket sales for the 2010 FIFA World Cup will open via the official website www.FIFA.com.