Posted: Wednesday September 30, 2009 10:33AM; Updated: Wednesday September 30, 2009 11:44AM

FIFA says stadiums in South Africa almost finished

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Preparations for Africa's first football World Cup next year are proceeding well with all stadiums being built for the tournament close to completion, FIFA officials said Wednesday.

A team of officials from football's governing body undertook a six-day inspection of stadiums and other facilities across South Africa.

"The vast majority are either completed or very near completion," said Derek Blanckensee, who led the delegation.

"I am very happy with progress seen. There were some small issues but nothing that raised alarm bells," he said.

Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the local organizing committee, said construction of most of the stadiums would be completed by the group draw on Dec. 4. Cape Town's stadium will be completed shortly afterward.

"It is very clear to me that as we go to the draw, we go there with confidence that everything is in place for a wonderful World Cup."

Six new stadiums are being built while three others have been upgraded.

In the coastal cities of Cape Town and Durban, stadiums are set against breathtaking views. At the stadium in Nelspruit, near a number of large wildlife reserves, the black and white seating resembles a zebra and the red struts of the stadium giraffes.

Blanckensee said the inspection team had to examine various logistical aspects of the stadiums. These include how teams arrive, access to ambulances as well as marketing and hospitality arrangements.

Ron DelMont, FIFA's head of its South African office, said training venues had also been inspected as qualifying teams begin to make their choices.

"We are very happy with the training facilities. We are comfortable with the locations and will continue to do inspections," DelMont said.

Temporary structures such as media centers will be added closer to the start of the tournament on June 11.