JOHANNESBURG (Reuters)
Lord Condon, director of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit, will work with the security authorities in South Africa at the 2003 World Cup, a top official said on Monday. The announcement was made by Ali Bacher, executive director of the 2003 World Cup.

"Lord Condon will work closely with our security directorate both prior and during the tournament to ensure that what the paying public witnesses on the field of play is a true reflection of the players' and teams' skills and expertise," Bacher told a news conference.

Condon is on a five-day visit to South Africa, during which he is to meet Patrick Ronan, chairman of the security directorate. He said the meeting was aimed at "cementing already established relationships with the World Cup security directorate and to put into action joint security and anti-corruption plans".

Condon reiterated his belief that his team had suppressed the threat of match-fixing and issued a warning to anyone who might see the World Cup as a potential target. "I'm confident that at the moment we are on top of the issue. I believe the World Cup in South Africa will be the best and cleanest World Cup ever held," he said.

"The 2003 World Cup has always been a significant target date in our drive to eradicate corruption from the international game and I stand by that commitment. We have intelligence from various organisations around the world on people who are likely to target the World Cup for match-fixing. If there are people out there who are thinking of targeting the World Cup, then they better think again."

Condon said he was currently consulting with the captains of the participating teams on ways to ensure that players were not approached to fix matches. He said this might even include limiting players' use of mobile phones and access to e-mail at sensitive stages during matches.

"I am consulting with the various captains on what will be sensible and tolerable measures. After all, we want to support the players, not treat them like children. But history has taught us that the use of mobile phones during matches is a problem regarding match fixing. If it seems sensible to limit players' use of technology during matches, then we will do so."

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