South Korean cities may give up World Cup games

South Korean cities may give up World Cup games

SEOUL (AFP): The South Korean government on Tuesday urged some
of the 10 cities due to hold matches for the 2002 World Cup
finals to give up the games because of the country's economic
crisis.

The authorities want the games concentrated in fewer cities,
officials said.

Many of the 10 host cities lack cash for new stadiums,
transport, accommodation and other facilities. Some have not even
begun preparations.

But the mayors of all the 2002 cities rejected the call made
at a meeting with Culture and Tourism Minister Shin Nak-kyun,
fearing the reaction of voters, a ministry official said.

"Shin asked some ill-prepared cities to give up, suggesting
the central government can play the villain for the mayors who
are worried about a regional backlash.

"But none of the mayors would accept the minister's advice,"
he said, adding the government believes some of the cities
"appear to have no ability to hold such big events."

He stressed South Korea would never scale down the 2002
events, despite the country's prolonged economic crisis which has
depleted coffers of provincial cities, he said.

"Even if some cities give up their rights, other cities will
be able to digest the 32 matches as planned," he said.

Any modifications of South Korea's World Cup plan needs
approval from the world's soccer governing body, FIFA.

The ministry official said the issue could be discussed next
month when a six-man FIFA delegation visits South Korea and Japan
to inspect preparations for the 2002 finals.

Japanese government sources said last week that South Korean
Prime Minister Kim Jong-pil has asked Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi
in late September for $100 million in loans to build a new
stadium.

The World Cup organizing committee said Tuesday FIFA delegates
would be in Seoul for four days from Nov. 2.

The delegates, including FIFA vice-president Antonia
Matarrese, will tour some of the host cities and be briefed on
South Korea's preparations, a committee official said.

"They will then depart for Japan on November 6," he said.

The mayors are to meet South Korean Prime Minister Kim Jong-
pil Wednesday.

"Several issues will be discussed at the meeting, including
preparations for the 2002 World Cup and the visit by FIFA
delegates," the committee official said.

A statement released by the organizing committee said this was
the first meeting together by all the mayors and related
officials.