Blatter promises 2010 to Africa

Sepp Blatter's speech was met with applause

By Sport Online's Jenny Horrocks at the Caf Congress in Bamako.

The Fifa President Sepp Blatter has told the Caf Congress in Bamako that the World Cup in 2010 will definitely be held in Africa.

It is a re-affirmation of his wish for the African continent to hold its first ever World Cup championship.

Speaking with emotion and with clenched fists, Blatter said, "It is yours....you will have it in 2010.

"There had been doubts but it is no longer speculation or a dream. It is definitely coming to Africa."

Blatter has been at the forefront of Africa's campaign to stage the World Cup.

But despite his efforts, South Africa lost their bid to hold the event in 2006 by a single vote.

Mr. Blatter has never made a secret of his desire for Africa to host football's biggest tournament, but the decsion is not his alone to make.

Fifa's executive committee has still to give its go-ahead.

Although there was a warm applause for Blatter, some Caf delegates believe his speech was more about gaining support ahead of Fifa elections, due to be held before the World Cup in Korea and Japan.