Mandela to miss World Cup opening ceremony

Nelson Mandela will not attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup today following the death of his great granddaughter in a car accident last night, the South African organising committee have confirmed.

It had been hoped that the iconic 91-year-old would be able to attend despite his frail condition but last night’s tragic news means he will not be present at Soccer City for the opening extravaganza or the match between South Africa and Mexico which follows it.