FIFA Keeps Mum over World Cup Celebs

March 8 - Excitement is reaching fever pitch as the countdown to the World Cup begins.

All bets are on regarding the final list of celebs who will attend the opening ceremony in June, and which will sit in the stands to watch international soccer action at its best.

The UK publication, the Sunday Times confirmed that nine international celebrities and nine African celebrities will open the tournament, and some of the biggest names in the world have a good chance of attending the event.

The biggest question on everyone's lips is whether the Boss of the World, Barack Obama will attend. According to the President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, Obama has been extended an invitation and has accepted.

English soccer players flying out with their teams should expect the public's attention to be diverted by their accompanying wives and girlfriends, so popular have these 'wags' become in recent years.

The biggest name of all in this department is undoubtedly Victoria Beckham, the pouty spouse of English soccer legend David Beckham. She, apparently, believes that accommodation at the team's base will not do for her and her entourage, and has rented luxury accommodation in Camps Bay instead.

From the world of sports, the big name on the attendance list is Roman Abramovich, no doubt checking out the talent and hoping to sign on new players to his Chelsea team.

And if Franz Beckenbauer, German soccer legend, can tear himself away from the luxury MS Noordam that will be docked in Durban during the tournament, offering luxury accommodation at a cost of up to R150,000 a night, we might also see him at the opening ceremony.

Other big names will include Princes Harry and William of England, South African darling, the actress Charlize Theron and Paul Allen, co-founder of Microgaming.

Nobody has confirmed or denied whether Lady Gaga will take part in the ceremony, and the same has been said for Beyonce.

A spokesperson for FIFA said that the "list changes so much" that no confirmation will be given until several days before the ceremony.

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