ZURICH, June 3: Football’s world governing body FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that six African countries have entered the preliminary race to host the 2010 World Cup finals.

Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia all applied by the May 31, 2003, deadline to stage the finals in Africa for the first time, said a statement from FIFA.

After South Africa lost out to Germany in their attempt to host the 2006 finals, FIFA promised that the 2010 event would be held in Africa.

“I am thrilled that we have six candidates formally confirmed as Official Bidders for the 2010 World Cup,” said FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

“As it will be the first World Cup to be staged in Africa, it will no doubt be a momentous occasion and an exciting tournament.”

The six countries have until September 30 this year to present their official bids to FIFA, which will then inspect each prospective host country before making its final decision in May 2004.—AFP