By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 8 - FIFA President Sepp Blatter has urged South Africa to build on the success of the World Cup by launching a campaign for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, revealing that he would support a bid from Durban.


There is a growing momentum for South Africa to put forward either Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg to host the Games.

South African President Jacob Zuma is due to meet International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge later this week to discuss the idea.

Rogge has already encouraged South Africa to put itself forward and now Blatter has joined the growing calls.

He said: "I think the International Olympic Committee President made a good move after he witnessed the success of the World Cup in South Africa in the first week.

"It is also time that Africa, specifically South Africa, organises the Olympic Games.

"It is very positive.

"If a country is able to organise FIFA's World Cup, it can also organise the Olympic Summer Games."

Blatter, who has been fully committed to South Africa hosting the World Cup, would be a powerful ally for any potential South African bid.

As well as his role with FIFA, he is an influential member of the IOC.

The IOC is due to host its next Session in Durban next year, where, on July 6, they will choose the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

But it will also give South Africa the perfect opportunity to showcase a potential bid for 2020.

Durban staged seven matches during the World Cup, including the semi-final last night which Spain beat Germany 1-0.

Durban, with its breathtaking Moses Mabhida Stadium, with it signature arch, has been widely praised by officials, journalists and spectators and Blatter is clearly a big fan of the city on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Blatter said: "It [the IOC Session] is the first step towards the opening of South Africa, in this case, to the Olympic Movement.

"I will fully support Durban to host the Olympic Games in 2020."

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