Private Homes Not Considered for 2010 Accommodation Shortage - 07-21-09

July 21-  Bad news for those thinking of cashing in from their homes and investment properties during the upcoming World Cup through the official channels: the company established by FIFA to provide housing for the thousands of people expected to descend on South Africa in 2010, has said that it would not be contracting private homes.

The company, MATCH, announced that despite the fact that that 55,000 units are required to cover the accommodation needs of World Cup visitors, private homes could not be considered on their books.

"MATCH will not be contracting private homes, only graded bed and breakfast, guest houses, hotels and time share," confirmed the executive chairman of MATCH, Jamie Byrom.

Byrom said that the policy to avoid private homes was not new to FIFA and that it has also been followed in previous World Cup events in other countries. He said that the policy had to do with complying with by laws concerning graded accommodation.

When asked whether he wasn't concerned that this policy may affect the company's chances of meeting the demand of 55,000 units before the event began in 2010, Byron said that MATCH has already secured 40,000 beds and he was confident that the target would be met by the kick off date.

"South Africa has good accommodation and priced competitively," he said. "Visitors to the country next year will appreciate this."

Nevertheless, property groups are confident that private homeowners will still be able to make a hefty profit by renting out their property on the private market. While MATCH won't be involved, a number of agents such as Seeff Properties have announced efforts to find good quality accommodation for soccer fans.