Fifa ‘free from blame’ for Tembisa stampede
2010-06-07 12:19
Fifa and the World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) have
distanced themselves from the stampede at an international friendly in Tembisa
that left 14 people and two policemen injured.
“Fifa and the LOC would like to first wish a prompt recovery to
those who have been affected by these incidents,” the two organisations said in
a joint statement.
“In addition, Fifa and the LOC would like to reiterate that this
friendly match has no relation whatsoever to the operational organisation of the
2010 Fifa World Cup, for which we remain fully confident.”
Thousands of fans stampeded the Makhulong Stadium – not a World Cup
venue – ahead of a friendly match between Nigeria and North Korea yesterday
after confusion regarding the ticketing system.
“Contrary to some media reports, Fifa had nothing to do with the
ticketing of this game,” the statement read.
- SAPA