Construction workers who are building the new 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadium in Green Point now have an added impetus to finish on time - FIFA has announced that together with its partners and the LOC, it will award two free match tickets to each worker.

The news was announced by FIFA President Sepp Blatter during his recent trip to South Africa. Blatter met the workers during his visit to the stadium, and said it was an "emotional moment" when they sang and danced for him.

He said he identified with them, as he also has a working class background. "It's important for the workers to realise the importance of their work for the World Cup and their country.

The tournament will be a major legacy for the country,” Blatter said. "They are working stone by stone to make sure the stadiums are completed on time, and they are an integral part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

We want to ensure that they will be in the stadiums they created at the first FIFA World Cup™ matches to bear witness to a South African dream they have been so central in realising,” he added.

“This is in recognition of the tremendous work they are doing,” he concluded. The ticket allocation is part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup ticketing fund, which will distribute 120 000 tickets for all 64 matches to less privileged South Africans who cannot otherwise afford to be part of this historic event.