Nelson Mandela plans to miss the opening ceremony of the World Cup finals in South Africa and will watch the tournament from home, according to his grandson.

Home supporter: Springbok captain Francois Pienaar receives the rugby union World Cup from South African president Nelson Mandela at Ellis Park after the final in 1995

The news will disappoint Fifa, who had hoped he would make a rare public appearance to grace the first finals in Africa, which begin on June 11.

Asked if the increasingly frail 91 year-old would be present, Chief Mandla Mandela, who is a member of parliament, replied: “Certainly not. My grandfather at this age is very elderly and we are not trying to intensify his programme.

“He’s said he would prefer to be at home in the countryside to spend time at the farm.”

A final decision will be made by the family and the Nelson Mandela Foundation closer to the start date, he added, stressing that there were no immediate health worries.

Mandela was president of South Africa when he famously wore a Springbok shirt and handed the rugby union World Cup over to victorious captain François Pienaar in 1995.