A FIFA delegation on Wednesday concluded its final World Cup venue inspections ahead of the quadrennial tournament, giving good marks to the preparations regarding security control and the improvement in the condition of the turf at Saitama Stadium 2002.
"From what we've seen in all the venues, together with all the concepts for providing safety and security, those who are coming from abroad as our guests and all our Japanese friends can be assured of a system that will guarantee them maximum safety and security," Peter Velappan, FIFA World Cup coordination director and the Asian Football Confederation general secretary, said.
Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo following a four-day visit to the cohosting country, Velappan continued, "We also know, through our experience, that we will be able to handle and manage any kind of disturbances that may occur during the course of the World Cup. This will be a very peaceful World Cup and will be a festival of football. That is the level of preparation that we've seen in Japan."