Khoza said newspaper reports on Sunday, saying there was a plan by him to oust Jordaan, were works of detractors who wanted the country to fail. He said although he was not aware of any "particular" issue that could have caused a problem between him and Jordaan, he would be prepared to meet with him and discuss it.

Khoza also said he knew nothing of a conversation between President Thabo Mbeki and Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

The reports said Blatter had had a lengthy telephone discussion with Mbeki at the weekend, raising his concerns over the issue. Presidential spokesman Bheki Khumalo also denied there had been a conversation between Blatter and Mbeki. He denied the government had scheduled a meeting with the organising committee.