April 23 – Confusion surrounds claims that Germany had been forced to change their base for the World Cup in South Africa later this year because of security fears.
Reports in South Africa claimed that the German team have been asked by the South African Police Services (SAPS) to move their base from The Velmore Hotel in Erasmia, southwest of Pretoria due to security concerns.
But Harald Stenger, the media officer of the German Football Association (DFB), claimed that the reports were false.
He said: ”It is unfounded and we will be issuing a statement on this soon.”
Among the concerns allegedly raised about the Velmore hotel are allegations that building plans for alterations and additions to the hotel were not approved by the Tshwane municipality and that it is situated near the R55 – a busy, single-lane road riddled with potholes.
Stenger said the establishment often hosted South African VIPs, including South African President Jacob Zuma, none of whom would have stayed there had there been any security concerns.
Senior Superintendent Vish Naidoo refused to comment on the allegations when contacted, and would not indicate if any statement would be provided by the SAPS regarding the matter.
Velmore Hotel general manager Heinz Mulder reportedly said that the establishment’s their owner, Emil Keyser, had invested about R80 million (£7 million/$11 million) in a new 48-room building especially for the German team.
He was quoted as saying there was “no going back now” and that the German squad was “definitely staying here”.
Mulder said: ”They will be here for the duration of the tournament.
“They chose Velmore because of its exclusivity.
“We will cater for their needs.”