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."

A statement on the FIFA website said: "We still believe in the considerable merits of a separate opening event and will work on proposals regarding the possibility of holding such an event in 2010."