Writing in his weekly online newsletter, ANC Today, Mbeki said Blatter and his organisation were admitted into the ranks of the Members of the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in recognition of their "contribution to the well-being of the people of South Africa".

He said FIFA received the award for its part in the international campaign that saw apartheid South Africa isolated on many levels, including sport.

In post-apartheid South Africa, FIDA is contributing to the development of football.

"Our national task is to ensure that we act in a manner that reaffirms our deepest respect and support for Fifa, the esteemed Member of the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo," he wrote.

He said a successfully hosted World Cup will accomplish this, as it will stand out as a "beacon of human hope" for Africa and the rest of the world.

"It must and will be an affirmation of the certainty of the victory of the advance of all humanity towards a world of peace for all, liberty for all, prosperity for all, and friendship among the peoples of our common universe."

from SAPA