World Cup organisers have hit out at critics of the vuvuzela and insist the plastic trumpets will not be silenced, reports the Daily Mail. Tournament chief executive Danny Jordaan said at the weekend that a ban could be considered.

However, the local organising committee insist the vuvuzela is part of South African football culture and should be shown some respect. "Vuvuzelas are here to stay and will never be banned," said spokesman Rich Mkhondo.

"Look at them as part of our culture in South Africa to celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As our guests please embrace our culture, please embrace the way we celebrate."

Mkhondo insisted Jordaan's comments were taken out of context and that the horns would only be banned if they were misused.

"During the Confederations Cup, similar concerns were raised and we did say that vuvuzelas characterise in 2010 the FIFA World Cup in South Africa," said Mkhondo.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has also rejected calls for them to be banned, saying they are as typical of South African football as bongo drums or chants in other countries.

Blatter, writing on Twitter, said: "To answer all your messages re the Vuvuzelas. I have always said that Africa has a different rhythm, a different sound.

"I don't see banning the music traditions of fans in their own country. Would you want to see a ban on the fan traditions in your country?"