Digger columnist Matt Scott

FIFA have apparently demanded that British newspaper, The Guardian, retract a claim that FIFA have established a £400 million insurance fund to assist South Africa if they fail to complete in time for the 2010 World Cup.

The story, written by 'Digger' columnist Matt Scott was published online on April 2nd and can be read here.

The article suggested that insurance companies were unwilling to provide cover for the event over fears that South Africa would not complete the development of stadiums in time, so FIFA had decided to create their own insurance fund of approximately £400 million.

But, and according to The Times, FIFA have written a 'strongly worded letter' to the newspaper demanding a retraction on the basis that the claim is 'factually wrong'.

Only time will tell if the paper apologies but what is really wrong with FIFA putting money aside to help? In South Africa things happen slowly and always have, but the cricket World Cup was success as was the Rugby World Cup, as will be the football World Cup in 2010.