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2010 World Cup will not be moved from South Africa
It could have ended quite badly for South Africa. The first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup almost didn't get the chance. Earlier this year, FIFA prez Sepp Blatter, the most powerful man in soccer, told the media that his organization had an alternative plan should South Africa not be ready to host in 2010. He cited concerns about security, infrastructure, and construction projects as the reasons for having a plan B. But yesterday Blatter opened his mouth again. This time he had good news for South Africa: "There definitely is no plan B or C. The only plan is to make the South African event a success." The tournament will undoubtedly be a huge boost for South Africa's tourism industry. Security concerns and lagging construction projects are still problematic, and there is still the risk that bad press during the event could kill any buzz the World Cup could bring to the country. But Blatter's promise not to move the tournament is a huge step for S.A., which can now focus on hosting duties, not on kissing FIFA's ass.
[Via AFP]
Filed under: Festivals and Events, South Africa, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Craig Dec 17th 2008 11:32AM
Sepp blathers a lot of things. The World Cup will end up in SA for political reasons (within FIFA and the continental conferences) but the (likely true) rumor is that for 2018 will go to a developed nation that is already capable of hosting without overhauling their infrastructure. (2014 will be Brazil which has similar problems.)
I'm hoping for USA 2018, but only because I'll likely have small children by then and traveling to see a bunch of games would be too much of a hassle.