FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, claims he has spoken to three countries about hosting the 2010 World Cup if a natural disaster forces it away from South Africa. This is part of “Plan B” drawn up by FIFA with less than two years until the pinnacle of world sport heads to Africa for the first time.

However, concerns are mounting about South Africa fulfilling its hosting obligations after Tuesday’s announcement that the Port Elizabeth stadium is unlikely to be finished in time for next year’s tune-up event in June–the Confederations Cup. In addition, South Africa’s World Cup 2010 preparations have been besieged by stadium construction delays, security fears, transport problems, and the possibility of power outages. “I have spoken to three possible, not only possible, but three associations and countries that would be able to stage the World Cup in one year’s time,” remarked Blatter in an interview broadcast Thursday by Sky News. “They need only one year [to be ready].”

When asked if 1966 host and winners, England, was one of his options Blatter refused to name the alternative countries.