SA first to present bid for 2006

Zurich, Aug 9: South Africa were the first of five countries presenting their official bids today and tomorrow to host the 2006 World Cup soccer finals.

Once the bids are in, a delegation from Fifa will visit the five prospective finalists over the next few months, inspecting facilities and existing stadia and also conducting detailed discussions on telecommunications, transport and security.

The vote to decide the venue is not until July 2000.