FIFA World Cup 2010: South Africa

[Young Drachma]

It's about time that Africa gets to host the World Cup (http://allafrica.com/stories/200405060576.html)

[Young Drachma]

Dola -

Here's the South African Bid web site. Here (http://www.sa2010bid.co.za/)

Next, the Olympics. Surely, the Athens debacle should be enough to qualify.

[ice4277]

Yes, but the Athens situation points out the problem of holding large-scale sporting events in countries with poor infrastructures. I think this will be a much bigger headache for the 2010 World Cup than from what we have seen in Athens. Still though, if its going to Africa, I think South Africa definitely makes the most sense.

[Young Drachma]

South Africa has already hosted a number of these types of events. Most of the stadiums are already built or being built well in advance. Athens was building most everything from scratch - and didn't even have a rail transit system in place prior to the bid.

I think the last World Cup, being held in two countries was a far greater logistical nightmare than South Africa could come up with. People's main concern is security, but I don't see South Africa being more of a threat than the US is at any point - especially given the current political climate.

Oh and South Africa's GDP is twice that of Greece. Even though their population is obviously larger and there are more poor people in South Africa, I don't see the issues being nearly as big as people thought they were when they [South Africa] lost the 2006 bid to Germany.

[GoldenEagle]

What events has South Africa hosted that are even close to the World Cup? I do not think you realize that nothing compares to the World Cup, not even the Olympics.

[bhlloy]

As long as they keep it in the upper class, nice areas of South Africa (and there are still plenty) they will be fine - just like holding a world cup in Italy or Spain.

I dunno, something about the huge amount of poverty and large, unguarded border space in Africa rings alarm bells with regards to security. I'd imagine it's incredibly easy for North African terrorists to get into South Africa one, two years before the event and set up shop all over the place. But it is Africa's "turn" to hold the event... it's a tough one.

[Hurst2112]

"I ain't gonna play Sun City"

[Katon]

What events has South Africa hosted that are even close to the World Cup? I do not think you realize that nothing compares to the World Cup, not even the Olympics.

They've hosted the Rugby World Cup, which is only half the size but at least works on a similar principle.

[ice4277]

They've hosted the Rugby World Cup, which is only half the size but at least works on a similar principle.
Obviously it is similar in principle, but that is like saying hosting the Olympics and the Paralympic Games is similar. Totally different in terms of size and scope. The only two events that truly have worldwide appeal are the Olympics and the World Cup.

OK, maybe extreme backyard wrestling as well.

[Young Drachma]

As long as they keep it in the upper class, nice areas of South Africa (and there are still plenty) they will be fine - just like holding a world cup in Italy or Spain.

I dunno, something about the huge amount of poverty and large, unguarded border space in Africa rings alarm bells with regards to security. I'd imagine it's incredibly easy for North African terrorists to get into South Africa one, two years before the event and set up shop all over the place. But it is Africa's "turn" to hold the event... it's a tough one.

Do you have any idea what the hell you're talking about? I mean, not only is South Africa part of the non-aligned movement (meaning they're not backing ANYBODY) but in case you don't know anything about the way this is being sold - its being sold as Africa's World Cup - this is the first time Africa has been allowed to be on the world stage.

I'd dignify this ignorance with a long reply, but their bid web site addresses the issues of security and like in detail. These people know what they're doing. Crime and poverty are hardly confined to Africa. And the last time I checked, the last bombing at an event on an international scale was in THE UNITED STATES.

::steps off soapbox::