Nelson Mandela's family insisted yesterday that the 91-year-old former South African leader was too frail to be at the opening of the World Cup, denying claims by officials that he would attend.

"I, as a member of the family, together with the family, have taken the decision that my grandfather is 92 years, it would be really a challenge to take him out in a cold winter day to go and watch a game of football," his grandson Mandla Mandela said.

"We, as South Africans and the international community need to start considering his health. I really know that he'll not be at the opening match."

Mandla Mandela was speaking after the South African sports minister said the icon of the anti-apartheid struggle planned to go to the first match on June 11 and the final a month later.

"He requested four tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies, and the organisers have granted his wish," Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile said in The Star newspaper.

A spokesman for the ruling African National Congress said that Mandela "will be attending the opening and closing matches of the World Cup".