We finally received yesterday an official response from FIFA and the World Cup 2010 authorities regarding the Al-Qaeda terrorist threat for an attack during the tournament finals in South Africa. The secretary general of FIFA Mr. Jerome Valcke gave an in depth interview promising increased security measures for the games that are just 60 days away, even though he held off from revealing too much information.
“All entry points such as airports and seaports will have the highest level of security to ensure there are no incidents during the World Cup. We are working closely with the United States government and getting intelligence from all our allies, same way we do for every major international event held in South Africa. I cannot disclose more regarding the procedures and measures being taken, but I can assure you that safety is our number one concern”
The Italian football director Antonio Valentini said that an official warning was sent by FIFA, and his country is also planning to increase security for his national team during the World Cup competition. “The Italian authorities are ready to take significant action, and all I can say right now is that we are in good hands”.
Last Thursday a news report from American television channel CBS claimed that Islamic terrorist group Al-Qaeda is planning an attack during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. A video showing an Al-Qaeda terrorist was also broadcast, and even specific football games and countries were mentioned as targets such as United States versus England. A huge number of heads of states is coming to South Africa for the opening and closing ceremonies, and the tournament will take place between June 11 and July 11 2010.
