It is impossible to communicate, it’s like being deaf: Messi

An Algerian fan blows a vuvuzela during the World Cup group C soccer match between Algeria and Slovenia at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

World Cup organizers are aware of complaints about the incessant tooting of the vuvuzela horns and evaluating the situation on a day-to-day basis while encouraging the fans to sing.

Chief organizer Danny Jordaan told the BBC on Sunday that they are doing their best to control the situation but are not fully ruling out a vuvuzela ban either.

“We’ve tried to get some order. We did ask them no vuvuzela during national anthems, no vuvuzelas when anyone is making an announcement or talking. I know it’s difficult but we try and manage as best we can,” he said.

“We’ve heard from the broadcasters and other individuals. It’s something that we’re evaluating on an ongoing basis.” Asked whether a ban was possible, he said: “If there are grounds to do so, yes.” He named throwing them onto the pitch as one possible reason to ban them.

Jordaan’s sentiments appear to echo those of many South Africans who defended the vuvuzelas a year ago but are now falling out of love with them.

He said on a personal note that he prefers the singing in a football stadium — a tradition in most parts of the world which has not be heard so far in South Africa because f the vuvuzelas.

“My personal opinion is I of course I prefer singing ... It’s always been a great generator of wonderful atmosphere in the stadiums and we will try and encourage people to sing.

“All through our history our ability to sing really inspired and showed emotion. In the days of the struggle (apartheid) we did not blow anything, we were singing,” he said.

Broadcasters are said not to be happy and World Footballer Lionel Messi was among latest players to complain about the vuvuzelas after Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday.

“It is impossible to communicate, it’s like being deaf,” said Messi.

France playmaker Yoann Gourceff has blamed the vuvuzelas as one reason for their poor 0-0 draw with Uruguay and his captain Patrice Evra said he has been woken up by the vuvus at 6 am.

But Evra also told French television that “the trumpets are a tradition in the country. You can’t start criticising them now.” World football supremo Joseph Blatter has also defended the vuvuzelas as part of the unique African atmosphere ever since it made first big waves at the Confederations Cup last year.