Since the tragedy, South African football authorities have undertaken a detailed analysis of events leading up to the disaster, researching not only the causes but the legal implications and the strategy they need to put in place to avoid further events of this nature in its sporting arenas.

Following on from the visit of the South African Football Association soon after the tragedy and subsequently the Judicial Commission who are leading the enquiry, a delegation from Ellis Park stadium itself arrived in England last week on an intensive tour of football and rugby facilities.

"The purpose of the visit is to investigate a range of stadia management issues, notably Health and Safety - safety and security procedures as well as marketing and marshalling matters", explained Ellis Park General Manager, George Stainton. "We also need to get a firm understanding of the legal issues relevant to safety in England".

The Football Association has had its fair share of dealing with stadium tragedies in the past, notably the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 in which 97 fans lost their lives. "We have learned a great deal from tragic experiences in our own history and are more than happy to share the result of those experiences with the South African authorities. We have moved on significantly and now have government legislation and stringent safety measures in place throughout the game of football in this country which makes England one of the safest countries in the world to watch football", explained The FA's Head of Safety and Security, Chris Whalley.

"The delegation had fruitful talks with ourselves and the Football Licensing Authority, followed by a visit to the FA Premier League match between Charlton Athletic and West Ham United, a London "derby" played to a full house of 22,000 spectators and a live television audience. Prior to the match, the Ellis Park representatives had the opportunity to meet Charlton Athletic's experienced Safety Officer, John Little, who showed them round the stadium control room and talked them through the match day safety management procedures for a sell-out game such as this. The delegation then sat down to enjoy a thrilling match which ended 4-4."

The hosting of this latest delegation reflects The Football Association's wider objective of building closer relationships with South African football, not least since the fierce rivalries of the bidding to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup. As a mark of respect for the families of those who lost their lives at Ellis Park, The FA took an England Ambassadors XI, including stars such as Ian Wright and Mark Bright, to South Africa in June to play a match against a South African Masters X1, raising money for the Disaster Fund. SAFA CEO, Danny Jordaan, said at the time, "The English FA has made a huge contribution to heal the wounds of the past and to walk hand in hand in solidarity into a better and brighter future, not only for football but for the people of South Africa and England".