Countries biding for 2006 world Cup present case at CAF congress.

Accra (Greater Accra), 21^st January 2000

Mr. Danny Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of the South African world cup bid committee for the 2006 world cup, has urged FIFA to grant Africa the world cup because the continent has the capability to host it.

Presenting the South African bid at the Confederation of African football (CAF) General Congress in Accra on Thursday, Mr. Jordan said the South African bid is for the whole continent.

He said since the end of apartheid South Africa has hosted many international sporting events without any incident and everything would be done to ensure the security of all.

"South Africa wants to be part of the African renaissance in this century and this would start with the allocation of the hosting rights to South Africa".

The Moroccans, in their presentation, said all the four continents have had their turn in the hosting of the world Cup and Africa can no longer be marginalised because it is a integral part of the globalised world.

Mr. Driss Benhima, head of the Moroccan bid, stressed this is time for the Africa to reap whatever it has invested into football, and the time is now than ever.

The Germans, led by Franz Beckenbauer said the country has the infrastructure adding that the fact that Germany with its location in the centre of Europe would be a melting pot for all cultures including that of Africa.

Sir Bobby Charlton who led the English bid, said Africa and England have had a long standing relationship and expressed the hope that African States would support the English bid.

GRi