Fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite football players as they arrive in South Africa might find themselves sorely disappointed - if the police get their way.

Speaking at an Airports Company SA briefing at OR Tambo International airport, in Johannesburg, yesterday, Lieutenant-General Layton Tshabalala said: "It is our view that public viewing should not happen."

Four teams, including Brazil and Australia, are expected to arrive in South Africa this week, and 16 teams next week.

Tshabalala said police do not want to face crowd control issues, and that fans should instead "watch the players on TV". More than 1000 police officers will be on duty at OR Tambo.

A separate terminal has been built at OR Tambo through which the World Cup teams will pass. The temporary structure, which will not be accessible to the public, has a viewing area but might not be ready by the time players arrive.

"It is too close to the road ... there is no space and no parking for the fans ... there are security issues involved," Tshabalala said.

Tebogo Mekgoe, assistant general manager of airport operations, said media access to the terminal will be strictly controlled, with "Fifa co-ordinating all media access".

Acsa said all the country's airports were "100% ready" for World Cup fans, and the Transnet and Eskom strikes would not affect airports.

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