FIFA president Sepp Blatter is not concerned over the publication of a recent report suggesting that German stadiums for the 2006 World Cup to take place are not safe.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland Blatter said "We have no worries because we have identified already, a certain time ago, that three or four stadia had some problems" adding these were being corrected in time for a final FIFA inspection before the World Cup begins in June.

Fears grew in Germany Saturday of a railway strike in the middle of the football World Cup, the biggest event of this year in Germany, with two unions reportedly linking their threat to government privatization plans.

Railways are the cornerstone of cross-country public transport in Germany, carrying more people than either buses or planes.

Sepp Blatter said "FIFA hasn't taken a decision to cancel lightly but sporting considerations are crucial". Blatter went on "I would like to thank artistic director Andre Heller and everyone involved for their commitment and their understanding of this decision. Personally, I still think the idea of holding such a high-profile opening event is a good one."

The local organising committee said in a statement that every fan visiting Germany during the Word Cup 2006, to kick off on June 9, could make inquiries to the committee through the website, launched today.

150 TV channels from different countries worldwide will cover the exhibition.

In this cultural event, each country has a four hour and 20 minute opportunity to introduce itself and its tourism attractions in the exhibition.