World soccer's governing body FIFA is to open an office in South Africa early next year to help the country prepare for the 2010 World Cup. The FIFA emergency committee approved plans to establish a presence in the country to assist in running the tournament.

South Africa's interim 2010 organising committee, which had been mandated to set up structures and hire personnel for a local organising committee by the end of the year, now intends bringing its plans forward, officials said on Saturday.

FIFA said on Friday it would form a company, MATCH AG, to combine know-how in the key areas of management, accommodation, ticket sales and IT solutions with the South Africans.

FIFA, which has control of its own marketing and television rights, said it now plays a more significant role in organisation compared to previous competitions.

It therefore has to "not only ensure a transfer of know-how but also establish a local presence on the host country".

A FIFA statement said they would set up an office in early 2005 "before committing further resources to the host country once the 2006 World Cup has drawn to a conclusion".

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa is the first time the tournament is being hosted in Africa. South Africa won the right to host the event in May, beating off the challenge of four other African candidates.

The 2006 World Cup finals are being held in Germany.

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