Confed Cup crucial to 2010 World Cup – Blatter

The FIFA Confederations Cup which kicks off this weekend in South Africa is crucial to next year s World Cup tournament, said FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Wednesday.

It s definitely time to kick off now, not only in terms of the organisation in South Africa, but in terms of making sure they can deliver and will deliver, said Blatter, a year ahead of the first African World Cup.

That s why this Confederations Cup, one year before the big event, is crucial. It s very important for FIFA but also for the participating teams. I m sure it will be a great competition.

South Africa is ready and committed for 2010, he said in a statement marking the 12 month countdown to the World Cup.

Speaking in Johannesburg, FIFA competition director Jim Brown said the Co…