Fifa president Sepp Blatter said Nigeria’s plan to co-host the 2010 World Cup with four African countries will not work. « This idea of Nigeria [to stage the tournament with Cameroon, Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana] is not feasible, » Blatter told BBC Sport in an exclusive interview in London.
« Even if there is to be a co-hosting, which would be in exceptional circumstances, there will only be one organising committee.
« But we will not consider this idea, as the other countries are not candidates. »
Blatter said the organisational difficulties at the last World Cup finals in Korea/Japan make Nigeria’s idea an unpalatable one for Fifa.
« We had co-hosting for the last World Cup. While it was a huge success, it was difficult to organise.
« But all I have heard about this (the 2010 plan) has been through the media.
« I have received no official communication from the Nigeria Football Association on this idea, » the president said on Monday.
Blatter said the 2010 World Cup must take place in Africa and allayed fears that Fifa would not honour its commitment to the continent.
« Africa will have this World Cup and nobody will take it away from them.
« They have the ability to successfully organise the tournament.
« There are six candidates and one of them will host the World Cup, » Blatter said.
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and South Africa have all submitted bids for the 2010 tournament.
Exclusive by Osasu Obayiuwana
