Three nations for Plan B

SEPP Blatter has conceded that the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa could be moved to another country.

The president of Fifa said yesterday that he had spoken to three countries about hosting the finals if a "natural catastrophe" forced it to be taken away from South Africa.

Last week, he revealed that there was a "Plan B".

Blatter's remarks come in the wake of xenophobic riots, especially in Johannesburg, and construction problems with World Cup stadiums.

This week, the Port Elizabeth stadium was scrapped for next year's Confederations Cup, an ominous sign for other stadiums behind schedule.

"I cannot say to whom I have spoken," Blatter said. "But I have spoken to three possible, not only possible, but three associations and countries that would be able to stage the World Cup in one year's time. They need one year."

When asked whether England was one of the triumvirate, Blatter became strangely reticent.

"I cannot give you names," he said. "You can ask and ask. That's another question I have to answer by no answer." - Sapa-AP and ©The Times, London