afrol News, 27 November - Despite condemning the murder of a former Austrian soccer player, Peter Burgstaller in the South African citiy of Durban at the weekend, FIFA President Sepp Blatter defended that the country is on the verge of hosting a fruitful World Cup in 2010.

Armed robbers shot dead the former player while playing golf. His murder coincided with the first official event of the 2010 World Cup, the preliminary draw in Durban.

South Africa - Africa's economic and democratic giant - will be the first country in the continent to host the biggest world football gala. But many fear that the country's looming violent crimes are capable of souring the colour of the event.

"We are very sad about what has happened, but this can happen in the world and the problem that we are facing now that it was just at the time when the international media were focused on Durban, speaking about security," Blatter told a news conference in Johannesburg.

He deplored the incident, but maintained that it was incorrect to use it as a barometer to question South Africa's World Cup organisation.

During the preliminary draw on Sunday, a poster designed by a South African agency [Switch] symbolising the African continent forming a man heading football was chosen as the official 2010 World Cup poster. The face on the poster has been seen as representing all African football supporters.

FIFA President was enthused by the emotion and passion potrayed by the poster.

"For me, football is all about emotion and passion, which is why I was particularly attracted to this poster," Blatter said.

"It invites the world to join in the celebration of the greatest football event on earth, while highlighting the pride and passion of the African continent and her people. It represents the African dream come true. South Africans made a good selection for the poster, which will represent their country all the way up to 2010."

The 2010 Local Organising Committee CEO, Danny Jordaan, said the poster depicted important history, tradition and culture of football in Africa. He said it would inspire a better future for the continent's football.

"It recognises that Africa has a football face and a football heart," he said.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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