Mandela not receiving visitors for World Cup

Nelson Mandela's office says the anti-apartheid icon will not receive visitors during the World Cup.



In a statement today, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said it had been inundated with requests for meetings, and it would be impossible for Mandela to accede to even a small fraction of these.



The foundation says Mandela's diary will remain closed for the duration of the World Cup, while adding the former president remains in good health.



Mandela, who turns 92 on July 18, has largely retired from public life although there has been speculation he would make an appearance at the World Cup opening ceremony tomorrow.



He was not included in a list of dignatories and important figures who had confirmed their attendance at the ceremony and opening game, though his former wife Winnie Mandela was included.