Rustenburg - FIFA President Sepp Blatter has hit back at international broadcasters who have called for vuvuzelas to be banned at FIFA Confederations Cup matches.
According to the media, broadcasters have claimed that the South African soccer trumpet is disturbing and irritating.
Speaking to the media ahead of the South Africa/New Zealand match in Rustenburg on Wednesday, Mr Blatter said that although the world football governing body would look into the concern, vuvuzelas were a part of the South African football culture.
"It is African culture, we are in Africa and we have to allow them to practice their culture as much as they want to.
"Vuvuzelas, drums and singing are part of African football culture. It is part of their celebration, it is part of their culture and let them blow it," said Mr Blatter, who has shown great confidence in South Africa's hosting of the tournament.
Mr Blatter explained that every country had their own unique way of expressing their love for football.
"In South Africa, the vuvuzela is the main instrument of self expression, it is just that overseas countries do not use it."
Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chief Executive Officer Danny Jordaan told reporters that the vuvuzela has been part of the South African football culture for many years and it will be unfair to ban them. He said that would amount to a violation of the fans' rights to freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, international soccer enthusiasts who are in South Africa to attend the Festival of Champions have been enjoying the sound of vuvuzelas and the experience of blowing it during games.
