Australia 's New South Wales is willing to help host the next soccer World Cup if South Africa fails to meet its commitment accrording to NSW Premier Morris Iemma says.
Speculation is mounting about South Africa's ability to host the 2010 World Cup after officials failed to show up at a media conference to discuss how the preparations were going.
Australia's AAP is reporting that Mr Iemma, a self-confessed soccer fanatic, said he was "salivating at the prospect" of NSW acting as emergency host to one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
He said NSW still had plenty of people with experience in running major events such as the Olympics, who could help organise the World Cup here if necessary.
"We stand ready to step in if South Africa is unable to host the 2010 World Cup and the Football Federation of Australia puts a bid (in) to act as an emergency host," Mr Iemma told reporters.
"We have the infrastructure and the skills in running major events to be able to host 2010."
Mr Iemma said he had every confidence a team to run the World Cup could be pulled together with the backing of the federal government and other states.