Source: Daily_Mail
Sepp Blatter praises England (for once): FIFA chief hails 'the motherland'
Sepp Blatter has lauded England as 'the motherland of football' and welcomed Fabio Capello's side's qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The outspoken FIFA president has previously made public attacks on English football, notably criticising foreign ownership of clubs in the Premier League as well as the financial might of the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
But Blatter today lauded England's presence in the tournament next summer and insisted safety fears over the tournament in South Africa are being overplayed.
Blatter said: 'It's always important when the motherland of football is participating in the World Cup.'
Blatter added: '11 million travel to South Africa every year. Please stop saying it is not secure. Give me one country in the world that is 100 per cent safe.'
