Blatter tells World Cup sceptics to trust Africa

By Mike Collett

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter rounded on sceptics in Europe for doubting South Africa's ability to stage a successful World Cup finals next year, saying it was time for the sniping to end.

Speaking at a news conference two days before the start of the Confederations Cup, the eight-team World Cup warm-up tournament, an angry Blatter gave short shrift to those who criticised FIFA's decision in 2004 to award South Africa next year's finals -- the first to be staged in Africa.

"It is not the people of Europe, but part of the media, who, from the very beginning were not at ease in trusting South Africa, or Africa at all, to organise the World Cup," the 63-year-old Swiss said on Friday.

"I do not understand this reluctance to go to Africa and we are here, not only to honour Africa but to give justice to Africa and African football for all they have done for football.

"But ever since I opened the envelope with the name "South Africa" they said it would not work. Why? Every year 10 or 11 million tourists come to South Africa. They have organised international competitions and conferences. Why the hell is there always this question mark over football?

"Is there not a little bit of envy? Well let them start trusting."

The biggest fear surrounding next year's finals, and to a lesser degree the Confederations Cup over the next two weeks, regards security issues, in particular the high murder rate in South Africa.