South African organisers for next year's World Cup had set up a peace conference for this weekend as part of the buildup to the 2010 event. The government, however, has decided that the Dalai Lama should not be given a visa to entry the country to attend.

The reason? His visit would "overshadow the country's preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup". In protest, two former Nobel Peace laureates who don't require entry visas, namely Desmond Tutu and FW de Klerk, have decided not to attend.

Associated Press takes up the story.