Nelson Mandela

FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced the result May 16 in Zurich. The vote was all over in the first round with the South Africans reaching the majority 13 votes needed on the first ballot.

FIFA decided four years ago to rotate soccer's most lucrative event among the confederations and Africa was first up.

Although Morocco had a strong case having been a losing candidate three times, and Egypt was Africa's first World Cup team 70 years ago, South Africa was the longtime favorite.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 22, 2004
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