Soccer: Germany better bet if SA stalls, says Seatter

Germany rather than an Australia/New Zealand joint bid is a better bet to step in and host the 2010 World Cup, says New Zealand Soccer's boss.

Graham Seatter was replying to Sydney speculation yesterday that the tournament scheduled for South Africa was in danger off being handed on as it struggles to meet deadlines.

He said despite some suggestions of unease in South Africa during this year's World Cup in Germany, those fears had largely been allayed and Fifa would do everything possible to ensure the South African-hosted tournament went ahead as planned.

But, given the chance to co-host with Australia, Seatter said NZS would jump at the opportunity.

The idea would be that New Zealand would host one of the eight groups with the six matches likely to be played at Eden Park, Westpac Stadium (Wellington) and Christchurch's Jade Stadium. Waikato Stadium could also be a consideration.

Although Fifa normally sets a benchmark of stadiums with a 40,000 capacity, Seatter said three or four in Germany fell just short of that.

"The major issue in South Africa is internal transport," said Seatter. "Fifa are aware of the difficulties but are committed to making it successful."

There are also concerns surrounding the stadiums in South Africa.

The Government has set aside US$750 million ($1.15 billion) to build three new stadiums and renovate a further seven. It has also committed 8.7 billion rand ($1.8 billion) to upgrade airports, roads and the rail network.

Even if the 2010 World Cup does go ahead as planned in South Africa, a joint Australia/New Zealand or perhaps Asia/Oceania bid is still expected for 2018 after Brazil hosts, as seems likely, the 2014 tournament.

With Brazil's construction programme still in its infancy, it appears unlikely it will be called on to host in 2010 if needed - adding further weight to an Australia/New Zealand bid.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Knights' decision to appoint Kevin O'Leary as assistant manager appears to end any involvement for All Whites coach Ricki Herbert at the club.

Manager Paul Nevin yesterday announced that O'Leary, who has been acting as fitness trainer/goalkeeping coach for the past three months, would take the assistant's role.

Nevin said his management/coaching team was now almost complete.

"I would still like to get in a specialist goalkeeping coach," he said. "We have three goalkeepers on our books as well as young Jacob Spoonley and I need someone to work with them."