Confidence shown in security plans
(FIFA.com) Friday 5 March 2010
The South African Police Service (SAPS) presented the South African government’s security plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ to the police representatives and chiefs of security of the participating countries during a two-day workshop held on 4-5 March at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. The discussions, which also included representatives of FIFA, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, the South African government and INTERPOL, saw a very fruitful exchange of information, and all stakeholders expressed their confidence in the plans.
“FIFA definitely has trust and confidence in South Africa. We saw that the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was well organised, so now it is time for the whole world to put its trust in South Africa’s ability to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Security is a matter for the government, and we have received adequate guarantees in this regard, so there is no reason to have any doubts. The FIFA World Cup is about enjoyment, and I am convinced that we will have a wonderful festival in South Africa,” said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
The South African National Commissioner of Police Bhekokwakhe Cele, who provided an overview of the event security, law enforcement and national security plans, added: “Today everybody agrees that this will be a wonderful event. The security personnel in place will be supporting teams, fans and all participants to make sure that they enjoy a fantastic event. We have received very positive feedback from the delegations representing the teams and we will liaise with them to ensure that their security needs are taken care of. We are sure that this preparation will also leave a legacy in all areas of security for the country after the competition.”
Representing INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble at the security workshop, INTERPOL Director of Police Operational Support Services Brian Minihane said: “The workshop has provided an important platform for the law enforcement community worldwide to review and enhance security planning and coordination in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup, during which INTERPOL will be providing South Africa’s police force with key operational support on the ground.”
“We are very happy that this two-day workshop has helped to tackle all the issues that might previously have been unclear in relation to security. I am now entirely confident that we have all the ingredients for a safe and successful World Cup and that we will enjoy it,” concluded Andy Holt, lead on football matters for England’s Association of Chief Police Officers.
“We are very grateful to the teams, the police and the security representatives for their support and cooperation in such an important matter, and for their confidence in us. We have successfully hosted other great sporting events in recent years, including the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, and we are certain that this will be the case again in 2010,” said Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan.
