FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Wednesday he was certain the 2010 World Cup would go ahead as planned in South Africa even though soccer's governing body had made contingency plans for a last-minute switch. "It will take place in South Africa...I have no doubts. The plan B is South Africa, plan C is South Africa," Blatter told journalists.
However, he said it was only prudent for alternatives to be considered should unforeseen disaster strike, such as a natural catastrophe. "It would be a bad organiser who did not have a reserve for a crisis. It is necessary to know there are countries able to put on the World Cup...without two or three years for preparation," he said.
Blatter told BBC television on Monday that the United States, Japan, Spain, England and Mexico -- all countries which had previously staged a World Cup -- were possible back-ups. No African country was on the list, despite it being the continent's turn, because none was ready to host the tournament at short notice, Blatter said.
"They will need time when we are already in a time constraint in South Africa so to start again in a country that is not fully equipped now would be difficult," he said in answer to a question. South Africa is renovating or building 10 stadiums for the World Cup and has repeatedly dismissed suggestions that it will not be ready on time.
In order to give referees more help, Blatter said that FIFA and UEFA were considering doubling the number of linesmen to four, with youth tournaments being used to test the new system from later this year.
The two new officials would help the referee to spot infringements, particularly near the goal area, while the other two would continue to flag off-sides, he said.