South Africa's police commissioner says the security plans could be changed if Nelson Mandela attends the World Cup's closing ceremony.

Gen. Bheki Cele said Tuesday that "it keeps coming up that he might be there" at the final at Johannesburg's Soccer City on July 11, so "we will wait (to see) what happens on the day."

The former president was expected to attend the opening match on June 11 but made a late decision not to go following the death of his great granddaughter in a car accident on the eve of the game.

Cele says police had confirmation that 23 heads of state and another 18 "eminent people" would be at the closing ceremony. He says he has been told that the number could rise.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP