Johannesburg - FIFA and the Local Organising Committee at the weekend denied blame over the stampede that injured fans during the friendly match against Nigeria and Korea Republic that occurred I Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg.
A stampede at the 10 000-seater makhulong Stadium marred a 3-1 win for Nigeria. FIFA and the Organising Committee (OC) of the 2010 FIFA World Cup have been informed by the South African Police Services (SAPS) about the incidents which have took place on 6 June 2010, on the occasion of the friendly match between Nigeria and Korea DPR played in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, FIFA said from Johannesburg.
FIFA and the OC would like to first wish a prompt recovery to those who have been affected by these incidents. In addition, FIFA and the OC would like to reiterate that this friendly match has no relation whatsoever with the operational organisation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, for which we remain fully confident. Contrary to some media reports, FIFA had nothing to do with the ticketing of this game.