FIFA happy with S. Korea on W. Cup

Wed, 04 Nov 1998 | Source: REUTERS

SEOUL (Reuters): South Korea is proceeding well with its preparations for co-hosting the 2002 World Cup finals, the head of a visiting FIFA delegation said on Tuesday.

"I am very satisfied about the organization," said FIFA vice president Antonio Matarrese after officials from world soccer's governing body inspected the site of a 64,000-seat stadium in Seoul. A ground-breaking ceremony for the US$124 million stadium is scheduled for Friday.

"The stadium in Seoul is fantastic," Matarrese told Reuters. "I think it will be one of the best stadiums in the world, I am sure. It is an excellent site."

The delegation, which also includes U.S. soccer federation president Alan Rothenberg and Asia Football Confederation general secretary Peter Velappan arrived late on Monday.

They will also visit the southern cities of Pusan, Ulsan and Kyongju before leaving for Japan, the other co-host, on Friday.

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