Johannesburg — THE local organising committee (LOC) yesterday welcomed a statement by the German Football Federation (DFB) denying reports that its squad for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, to be held in SA, was being advised to wear bulletproof vests.
The reports were based on remarks by BaySecur -- the security firm that looks after the DFB and its guests when the national team plays away -- that stars such as Michael Ballack should take extra care in SA.
Germany's Sport Bild weekly had quoted Guenter Schnelle of BaySecur as saying that German players' movements outside the hotel boundaries "should be kept to a minimum" amid concerns over SA's high crime rate. "Otherwise there must be a full escort: armed security guards and bulletproof vests for the players," he said.
DFB spokesman Harald Stenger said yesterday there was no basis to the reports.
"We are aware of the reaction in SA and immediately made it clear after these false reports were published that we are not considering equipping the players with bulletproof vests," Stenger said.
The DFB's security head, Helmut Spahn, is travelling to SA with a small delegation over the weekend to get a detailed impression of the squad's base near Pretoria.
LOC spokesman Rich Mkhondo said yesterday the committee was surprised by the company's comments.
"(BaySecur) have never been in contact with us, nor have they ever visited the country, nor have they asked about plans we have to ensure the safety of the visitors for the 2010 World Cup." With Sapa-DPA
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I think this a agreat idea, all the teams can play in bullet proof tops and shorts, never know where these criminals will strike next and dont for get the terrorists probably busy planning already
I do understand that we all have a say, and at the same time have freedom of speech; but let's talk with some senses in our tongues. This is not only degrading to a/an African country but to the whole continent. Are u trying to tell me that Europe doesn't have crime??? Europe is the biggest criminal continent in the whole wide world. If a country or set of countries pileaged, abuse (Both sexually, physically, mentally and psychologically), stole ( and continue to steal), killed (and continue to Kill) so much races; exspecially so, a whole race of people and continent "Africa" just to soath their taste and culture is a biggest crime ever. So, let's watch what we're saying because history is the same just as yesterday!!!! In the days of our forefathers in Africa way before colonization, we take from our people we do not steal. Meaning, they were aware of what we take from them. I hope u do understand that; and furthermore, if libraries such as the one in Timbuktu ( rescent days, Mali) wasn't burnt down by the colonists, I think those who are twisting histories in todays' world who have being seriously little !!! Shame on you for all your lies.
I do understand that we all have a say, and at the same time have freedom of speech; but let's talk with some senses in our tongues. This is not only degrading to a/an African country but to the whole continent. Are u trying to tell me that Europe doesn't have crime??? Europe is the biggest criminal continent in the whole wide world. If a country or set of countries pileaged, abuse (Both sexually, physically, mentally and psychologically), stole ( and continue to steal), killed (and continue to Kill) so much races; exspecially so, a whole race of people and continent "Africa" just to soath their taste and culture is a biggest crime ever. So, let's watch what we're saying because history is the same just as yesterday!!!! In the days of our forefathers in Africa way before colonization, we take from our people we do not steal. Meaning, they were aware of what we take from them. I hope u do understand that; and furthermore, if libraries such as the one in Timbuktu ( rescent days, Mali) wasn't burnt down by the colonists, I think those who are twisting histories in todays' world who have being seriously little !!! Shame on you for all your lies.