FIFA Fans Security
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
FIFA Sunday insisted that they have no concerns over the safety of spectators at the World Cup despite the stampede before the warm-up game between Nigeria and North Korea which saw 16 people taken to hospital.
The world governing body were quick to point out they were not responsible for the organisational chaos — where tickets were given away for free — at the Makhulong Stadium in the township of Tembisa.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) insisted, though, they were left with "no choice" over the venue for their friendly.
England played local side Platinum Stars at the 20,000-capacity Moruleng ground near Rustenburg Monday afternoon with just four days to go until the tournament kicks off.
Tickets were also expected to be free for the England game, prompting concern that there could again be more fans trying to force their way in to see Fabio Capello's team play than the stadium can cater for.
"FIFA and the organising committee (OC) of the 2010 FIFA World Cup have been informed by the South African Police Services (SAPS) about the incidents which have taken place on the occasion of the friendly match between Nigeria and North Korea," said FIFA in a statement.
"FIFA and the OC would like to first wish a prompt recovery to those who have been affected by these incidents.In addition, FIFA and the OC would like to reiterate that this friendly match has no relation whatsoever with the operational organisation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, for which we remain fully confident. Contrary to some media reports, FIFA had nothing to do with the ticketing of this game."
Explaining what happened, SAPS said in a statement: "The friendly match was arranged by a private company and tickets were apparently being handed out by the teams outside the stadium.
"Initial reports from the stadium, which is not a 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium, indicate that 10,000 tickets were distributed outside the stadium but a number of fans wanted to enter the venue without tickets.
"It would seem that there was also some confusion among the crowd as to the ticketing system which led to disruptive behaviour on the part of the crowd."
The Nigerians, who won the game, said their hand was forced when it came to selecting a venue.
"We had no choice," said Taiwo Ogunjobi, the Nigerian technical committee chairman. "That was the only venue available to us.
"FIFA had taken control of all the stadia we could have used and we had to settle for this one because we needed to play this match."
The incident occurred ahead of the first World Cup on African soil which is set to kick off when the hosts take on Mexico in Soccer City on Friday.
Ogunjobi declined to comment on how the tickets for the game were distributed, insisting he was just relieved that there was no worse outcome.
He added: "At the end of the day, we thank God nobody died.
"It is a football match and because it was free, a lot of people came in, especially on the covered sides."
Labels: Security
posted @ 8:50 AM,
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