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FIFA to discuss future of noisy trumpet

A colorful South African supporter shows off his highly decorated hard hat and vuvuzela during the Confederations Cup match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. The vuvuzela is a musical instrument that has a distinctive hum and is traditionally played at soccer matches in South Africa. PHOTO: EPA

FIFA is to discuss the future of the vuvuzela, the noisy plastic trumpet blown at the Confederations Cup that has drawn complaints from European television stations.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter told a media briefing he was aware of complaints the din of the instrument was drowning out the commentary of broadcasters and that they wanted it banned at this tournament and next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Blatter said soccer’s governing body would discuss the matter with the organizers.

“It’s a local sound and I don’t know how it is possible to stop it,” he said on Wednesday. “I always said that when we go to South Africa, it is Africa. It’s not western Europe. It’s noisy, it’s energy, rhythm, music, dance, drums. This is Africa. We have to adapt a little.”

Vuvuzelas, which are popular at soccer matches in South Africa, are a constant background to ­Confederations Cup games.

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso said: “I think they should be banned. They make it very difficult for the players to communicate with each other and to concentrate.”

“They are a distraction and do nothing for the atmosphere,” he added after his team’s 1-0 win over Iraq.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said last year the vuvuzela would not be banned unless it was used as a weapon by fighting fans.
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