World Cup qual - Blatter: Africa could get more places

Eurosport - Fri, 26 Jun 13:54:00 2009

FIFA president Sepp Blatter says he will advocate for more World Cup places for Africa if they do well at next year's tournament in South Africa.

FOOTBALL joseph blatter fifa president - 0

"I will advocate for Africa, or indeed for any other continent that is doing well in the World Cup," Blatter said in Johannesburg.

He admitted this might not prove easy for Africa, whose best finish at previous World Cups has been to reach the quarter-finals.

"It is not easy for Africa to make an impression because by the law of averages they don't have the same possibility to make an impression in the way Europe and South America do. Europe has 13 places to Africa's six and so it is hard to expect there can be a host of African sides dominating the latter stages," Blatter said.

"But in 2010 the African teams have an advantage in that they are playing at home and in their own special atmosphere. African sides have proven they can play a big part next year. Let's see what will happen."

Africa has six teams at the finals for the first time - five qualifiers plus the South African hosts.

Africa's representation for the finals was increased to five for the 1998 finals in France.

Reuters

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  1. This is just ridiculous. When they want they give to­ the miserable africans one more place.! What are the­ rules of the game? Is it called world cup? Are people­ supposed to have equal rights? So how stupid were­ people to be able to miss that from the beginning! He­ said it in South Africa, and we will stand and dance to­ show him how happy we are.... hop hop ...

    Un monde de­ standards fous.
    Camerounian;

    From Pr. Martial LONGLA, on Fri 26 Jun 9:10PM
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