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Blatter says quota change would aid Africa World Cup
chances
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FIFA President Sepp Blatter gestures
during a visit to Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium outside Soweto.
Photo: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
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JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has
hinted that future World Cups could see a change in continental quotas
to reflect football's international growth away from its traditional power
bases of Europe and South America.
Responding to a question about Africa's chances of producing a World Cup
winning side, Blatter told a news conference on Wednesday that teams from
outside Europe were disadvantaged because they had fewer representatives
at the finals.
"We will have to change the numbers but we'll do it step-by-step,"
the Swiss head of football's governing body said.
"One day we should open (the World Cup) more."
Africa will have six representatives for the first time at the 2010 finals,
five qualifiers plus host nation South Africa.
"I do hope that with all the power of Africa behind them, we'll see
an African team in the semi-finals," Blatter said. "And if they
get to the semi-finals then why not go higher to the final.
"But the problem is numbers. Europe have 13 teams, so it is easier
for them to ensure some representation in the later rounds.
"Nowadays everybody can beat anybody. We saw many surprises come
out in the latest round of World Cup qualifiers," he added.
Concluding a four day visit to the next World Cup hosts South Africa,
Blatter said he had been pleased with progress towards the organising
of the 2010 event but still offered some advice.
"What I am missing is the feeling of the World Cup. There needs to
be more marketing of the event. Africa needs to tell the world it's ready
to host the event."
Blatter toured stadiums in Cape Town and Johannesburg and met with top
political figures during his trip.
uk.eurosport.yahoo.com,
Wed 17 Sep
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