FIFA worried economic downturn will affect World Cup fans

FIFA expressed concern that the world economic downturn would impact on the number of visitors to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Horst Schmidt, FIFA consultant to the next World Cup organisers, said heavy promotion of the tournament was needed in the coming months to persuade fans to travel for the tournament from June 11 to July 11, 2010.

"There is a concern that people will not come in the numbers we expect from aboard," said Schmidt, chief organiser of the 2006 World Cup in Germany and now overseeing the preparations for 2010.

South Africa estimate that 450,000 visitors will travel for the 2010 tournament, although the figure quoted by officials vacillates frequently from a high of 900,000 down to to 300,000.

"It's very important to promote in the next months. Hopefully the football people will still travel. It's important that they join and follow their teams and participate in the event," said Schmidt, who was speaking at the opening of the Soccerex international business convention.

"These are teams with huge support base. Even if those fans have fewer pounds or euros in the pocket, they will still benefit from the exchange rate," said Jordaan.

"South Africa has become a cheaper destination. But the real trigger will be if the fans believe their teams are performing well."