The 2010 Soccer World Cup would test South Africa's "fiscal muscle", but the country would not run out of money, the chief executive of the Local Organising Committee said yesterday.

The 2010 Soccer World Cup would test South Africa's "fiscal muscle", but the country would not run out of money, the chief executive of the Local Organising Committee said yesterday.

Danny Jordaan, pictured, told a 2010 National Communications Partnership Conference in Johannesburg: "We will never run out of money, we will not even run out of ideas. The project remains within budget."

He said "innovation, flair and precision" were needed to ensure that the budget was adhered to and time-lines were achieved.

With South Africa being the first developing country to host the event in the post-1990 period, the event would also put the country's technical ability and infrastructure under the spotlight.

Jordaan praised the government for its "high level of dedication, commitment and support". Neither the Japanese nor the French governments had shown such dedication during their countries' preparations for the World Cup. He said much work had already been finished. Nine host cities had been confirmed, stadium contracts had been signed, legislation had been finalised, match schedules completed, all senior managers appointed and 95percent of the broadcast rights had been sold.

The preliminary draw is scheduled for November 25. - Sapa