As hundreds of soccer fans rushed into a World Cup pre-game between Nigeria and North Korea on Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa, a policeman was crushed between iron gates and seriously injured. Fourteen fans, including two children, also sustained minor injuries. The stampede started after fans received free tickets to the event and stormed excitedly into the stadium, according to Reuters.
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the governing body responsible for the games, said in a statement that it does not expect a repeat of the incident at any of the Word Cup games. The Makhulong Stadium, where the stampede took place, is not a venue for any of the World Cup matches that are due to start on June 11.
“FIFA would like to reiterate that this friendly match has no relation whatsoever with the operational organization of the 2010 World Cup, for which we remain fully confident,” read the statement from the organization. “FIFA had nothing to do with the ticketing of this game.”
The British Football Association (FA) took extra precautions.
“Safety and security comes first,” an FA spokesman told The Independent. “We have met stadium management, and we are in contact with the local organizing committee to ensure the appropriate measures are in place.”
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the governing body responsible for the games, said in a statement that it does not expect a repeat of the incident at any of the Word Cup games. The Makhulong Stadium, where the stampede took place, is not a venue for any of the World Cup matches that are due to start on June 11.
“FIFA would like to reiterate that this friendly match has no relation whatsoever with the operational organization of the 2010 World Cup, for which we remain fully confident,” read the statement from the organization. “FIFA had nothing to do with the ticketing of this game.”
The British Football Association (FA) took extra precautions.
“Safety and security comes first,” an FA spokesman told The Independent. “We have met stadium management, and we are in contact with the local organizing committee to ensure the appropriate measures are in place.”
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