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.