Mandela to miss opening ceremony

Nelson Mandela will not attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup today following the death of his great granddaughter in a car accident last night, the South African organising committee have confirmed.

It had been hoped that the iconic 91-year-old would be able to attend despite his frail condition but last night's tragic news means he will not be present at Soccer City for the opening extravaganza or the match between South Africa and Mexico which follows it.

A statement released to the Press Association from the organising committee read: "Mr Nelson Mandela this morning learned of the tragic death in an accident of his great-grand-daughter, Zenani Mandela (13 years old).

"It would therefore be inappropriate for him to personally attend the FIFA World Cup opening celebrations. We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy."

Mandela, or 'Madiba' as he is affectionately known in South Africa, was credited with being a key figure in South Africa winning the World Cup hosting rights in 2004. It will be seen as a great blow to the local organisers, FIFA and people across the country, who revere the man who led the country into democracy in 1994.

The statement from the OC continued: "We continue to believe that the World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for SA and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success. Madiba will be there with you in spirit today."