Fifa to assess Zim World Cup role

A delegation of officials from Fifa are to travel to Zimbabwe to assess the country's capacity to host visitors and teams for the 2010 World Cup.

Though the tournament will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe were hoping to play a role in accommodating those travelling to the event.

Karikoga Kaseke, the chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), said:

"Fifa have specifically requested to see hotels in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls as well as other service facilities in the tourism sector."

Zimbabwe, which plans to invest $20m on hotels and stadiums, is one of the host country's neighbours hoping to host training camps, accommodation and fan parks for teams and visitors during the tournament.

The Zimbabwe government has called for a comprehensive refurbishment programme of hotels despite a marked drop in foreign visitors since the implosion of the economy.

A new stadium is also thought to be planned.

The Fifa delegation will also be looking at issues such as ports of entry, customs and immigration, transport, as well as touring possibilities and activities, Kaseke added.