ZURICH - Fifa approved the schedule and prize money for the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa yesterday, saying eight nations will compete for R138million in the tournament.

ZURICH - Fifa approved the schedule and prize money for the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa yesterday, saying eight nations will compete for R138million in the tournament.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter said the event will be "an ideal test run" for the 2010 World Cup organisers and South Africa's infrastructure.

The tournament will bring together the host South Africa, World Cup holder Italy and the champions from the six regional confederations which make up Fifa, world soccer's governing body.

Those include Iraq, Egypt, the US and Brazil. If Italy wins this year's European Championship, the runner-up will compete in South Africa.

The tournament draw is scheduled for November 22 in Johannesburg.

It kicks off on June 14 next year- Sapa-AP