Beckenbauer, head of the organizing committee of this summer's World Cup in Germany, caused a stir last month when he reportedly said the tournament _ the first to be held in Africa _ was ``beset by big problems.''

His comments came amid national and international concerns over the state of stadium construction, transportation arrangements and security plans.

Irvin Khoza, chairman of the local organizing committee, released a letter from Beckenbauer on Tuesday.

``I am very sorry that these statements were falsely portrayed and I shall do everything in my power to support the World Cup in South Africa 2010,'' he said.

In the letter addressed to his South African counterpart, Danny Jordaan, Beckenbauer said he was surprised at the outcry, adding that he had been responding to ``media reports that there are certain difficulties relating to stadia construction, etc.''

``At no point did I mention that Germany could be a substitute organizer. On the contrary, it is my own and my colleagues' understanding that it is most important that the upcoming World Cup in South Africa is a success,'' he said.

Khoza, speaking after a two-day meeting of the organizing committee's board, reaffirmed South Africa's preparedness. The tournament will bring in an estimated 350,000 foreign visitors to the monthlong event.

``I am confident in terms of our program that we will meet our commitments,'' he said.

The government has earmarked about US$710 million for building and renovating 10 stadiums, and a further $1.2 billion on upgrades to airports, roads and railway lines.

Khoza said Parliament would complete funding arrangements this month, and the construction of six new stadiums would begin in January. He also said a proposal had been made to FIFA to allow neighbouring countries to be used as base camps by participating teams.

``This will allow us to make it a truly African World Cup and spread the economic benefits around,'' he said.

Khoza said the board had been briefed on transportation and security plans.

``Never in the history of the country has the government failed to secure an event,'' he said.

FIFA secretary-general Urs Linsi, a member of the local organizing committee's board, gave his support for the country's plans.

``We have started planning earlier than ever before. 2010 is now our main focus. There are challenges but we will meet them. It has been an excellent meeting and the lights are green for go-ahead,'' he said.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is to arrive in South Africa this month.