South Africa Alert
3 December 2009
FIFA shuts its doors to the media

Several international and local media organisations have been denied accreditation to the World Cup Draw, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa on the 4 December 2009. Among those who will not be allowed to be present in the draw hall are journalists from Primedia, whose stable includes Kfm, Cape Talk, 702 Talk Radio and 94.7 Highveld Stereo.

The group's editor in chief, Katy Katopodis, expressed disappointment at not receiving accreditation from Federation International of Football Association (Fifa), despite applying timeously and complying with regulations.

"We hope the implications will not be too widespread. But we will try and cover the event as best as possible with the limitations imposed on us," Katopodis said. Earlier this year (2009), Fifa TV director Niclas Ericson said Fifa would earn about R25-billion on the television media rights to broadcast the World Cup finals.

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