World Cup organisers have ruled out a ban on the vuvuzela horns that have received criticism this summer.
Noisy instruments will continue say organisers
World Cup organisers have ruled out a ban on the vuvuzela horns that have received criticism so far this summer.
The tuneless trumpets have been heard at every match of the South Africa tournament and certain players and broadcasters have become frustrated at the noise that has swamped the stadiums.
Speculation has mounted that the instruments, which have been described as creating a buzz like a hornets' nest, could be banned but this claim has been widely refuted.
"Vuvuzelas will not be banned from the stadia," said Fifa spokesman Stan Schaffner.
A spokesman for the local organising committee also insisted the horns would not be silenced as they are a symbol of the tournament, which is being held on African soil for the first time.
Rich Mkhondo added: "They characterise the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and they will remain so, just as much as other World Cups like the one in Mexico had their own way of celebrating the beautiful game.
"The vuvuzelas are here to stay and they will never be banned."
Speculation regarding a ban had grown because organising committee chief Danny Jordaan hinted such a move was possible.
Asked if a ban was an option, Jordaan said: "If there are grounds to do so, yes.
"We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or during stadium announcements.
"I know it's a difficult question," he added, saying that "we're trying to manage the best we can."
