Nelson Mandela 'too frail for World Cup'

Nelson Mandela's family have denied reports that he will attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup on June 11, saying that the leader is too weak to travel to the event.

The 92-year-old's grandson Mandla told The AFP that the journey would be "a challenge" and the family came to a decision not to appear.

"We, as South Africans and the international community, need to start considering his health," Mandla said.

"I really know that he'll not be at the opening match."

South African newspaper The Star previously claimed that Nelson had requested four tickets to the ceremony, but Mandla insisted that the statements are false.

"I don't know where they take that from."