- Title: SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Security concerns for Dutch World Cup squad
- Date: 2nd June 2010
- Summary: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (MAY 27, 2010) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF THE HILTON HOTEL HILTON HOTEL ENTRANCE BOARD HOTEL RECEPTION PEOPLE AT THE CHECKING IN COUNTER JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (JUNE 1, 2010) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) GENERAL MANAGER, HILTON SANDTON, AXEL HAUSER, SAYING: "Security is for us our main issue and it matters to us and we as a hotel have aligned our security measurements with requirements of the Dutch Federation and FIFA and we are working hand in hand to make this a successful event." JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (MAY 27, 2010) (REUTERS) HALLWAY INTERIOR OF ONE OF THE HOTEL ROOMS WORK AREA BATH TUB BATH LOTIONS TOWELS BAR AREA PAN OF DINING AREA SUSHI AREA PAN OF SUSHI AREA SIGN WRITTEN 'WELLNESS CENTRE AND SPA GYM EQUIPMENT MORE OF GYM EQUIPMENT GYM WEIGHTS SPA TREATMENT ROOM MORE OF SPA TREATMENT ROOM SPA OILS PAN OF POOL AREA
- Embargoed: 17th June 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: South Africa
- Country: South Africa
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA7BX0529P1UA4DHBZHFAK1P5A4
- Story Text: The Netherlands World Cup team which will be based at the Hilton Sandton hotel in Johannesburg will arrive in South Africa amid security concerns.
A South African paper reported that the United States' NEFA Foundation, which investigates terrorist activities, has warned that simultaneous and random attacks were being planned and alleged Dutch team and fans were possible targets.
Media have reported that Iraqi authorities recently arrested an alleged al-Qaeda supporter who claimed he was planning attacks on the Dutch and Danish teams, although experts later dismissed the claims as posing no serious threat.
However, the Netherlands said it was preparing a "terror threat" warning for the tournament in response to the arrest.
And those who will be hosting the team during the June 11-July 11 World Cup tournament are anxious to assure appropriate security measures have been put in place.
"Security is for us our main issue and it matters to us and we as a hotel have aligned our security measurements with requirements of the Dutch Federation and FIFA and we are working hand in hand to make this a successful event." said Axel Houser. of the 329-room Hilton Sandton in Johannesburg.
However South Africa's Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa says there is no known security threat to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
While South Africa has not been targeted in recent years, several militants involved in attacks around the world are known to have spent time in the country, which experts say has acted as a safe haven and staging post for operations elsewhere.
Matches between the United States and England on June 12 could be a particular target, along with fixtures involving the Danish and Dutch teams, should militants aim to avenge perceived insults against Islam.
South Africa is the first African country to host the World Cup. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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