FIFA gives thumbs up to 2010 preliminary draw preparations

"The show that will be organised will be at the highest level," Jerome Valcke, FIFA general secretary told a press conference after meeting with the board of directors of the World Cup local organising committee at their headquarters in Johannesburg.

 The November 25 draw, which is the first international FIFA World Cup event to be staged in South Africa, could be of the highest level ever seen at a preliminary draw, he enthused.

 Around 3,000 delegates, journalists and sports officials are expected the Durban event.

 Valcke was also briefed on progress in construction of five new stadiums and upgrading of five others for the tournament, which an African country will host for the first time in 2010.

 Questioned about the impact of recent strike action at the site of Cape Town's Greenpoint Stadium, organising committee chairman Irvin Khoza assured the stadium was "on track."

  The feedback of FIFA inspectors, who visited four of the nine World Cup host cities last week had also been "very positive," Khoza said.