Mandela's Family Blasts FIFA For Being Inconsiderate
Source: Agencies |
July 12, 2010, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
A family member of Nelson Mandela claimed that FIFA put "extreme pressure" on South Africa's former president to attend the World Cup final.
The 91-year-old anti-apartheid icon has kept a low profile during the monthlong tournament, having decided against attending the opening game on June 11 following the death of his great granddaughter.
"We've come under extreme pressure from FIFA requiring and wishing that my grandfather be at the final today," Mandela's grandson, Mandla, told BBC radio. "But I think that decision will solemnly lie with him, how he wakes up today, how he feels, what his medical team says, but as well his family. My grandfather is 92 years old next week. This is an evening game. He's expected to hand over the trophy after the game which could be anything from 22:30 to 23:00 and it will be quite strenuous on his part."
Mandla later said that FIFA was being "inconsiderate," given that the family is still in mourning.
"My grandfather has recently lost a great granddaughter and the family is in mourning," Mandela said. "They should be appraised of our customs and traditions."
Mandela's 13-year-old great granddaughter, Zenani Mandela, was killed in a car crash while returning from the World Cup opening concert.
"It is possible at the beginning of the match or just at the end of the opening ceremony, he may be present on the field of play," FIFA President Sepp Blatter told BBC earlier.
The 91-year-old anti-apartheid icon has kept a low profile during the monthlong tournament, having decided against attending the opening game on June 11 following the death of his great granddaughter.
"We've come under extreme pressure from FIFA requiring and wishing that my grandfather be at the final today," Mandela's grandson, Mandla, told BBC radio. "But I think that decision will solemnly lie with him, how he wakes up today, how he feels, what his medical team says, but as well his family. My grandfather is 92 years old next week. This is an evening game. He's expected to hand over the trophy after the game which could be anything from 22:30 to 23:00 and it will be quite strenuous on his part."
Mandla later said that FIFA was being "inconsiderate," given that the family is still in mourning.
"My grandfather has recently lost a great granddaughter and the family is in mourning," Mandela said. "They should be appraised of our customs and traditions."
Mandela's 13-year-old great granddaughter, Zenani Mandela, was killed in a car crash while returning from the World Cup opening concert.
"It is possible at the beginning of the match or just at the end of the opening ceremony, he may be present on the field of play," FIFA President Sepp Blatter told BBC earlier.
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