BBC SPORT | Football | African (original) (raw)

The vuvuzela has drawn complaints from European television stations

Fifa is to discuss the future of the vuvuzela, the noisy plastic trumpet blown at the Confederations Cup.

The trumpet 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.

The Fifa chief said broadcasters wanted it banned at this tournament and next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Blatter said football's governing body would discuss the matter with the organisers.

"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," the Fifa boss said.

Vuvuzelas, which have been given away free to fans, are a constant background to Confederations Cup games.

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

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.