To host or not to host – that is not the question any longer. It is less than 500 days until the 2010 World Cup starts.

There were many reasons for and against the World Cup in South Africa.

• The FIFA acknowledged the huge soccer enthusiasm in Africa.
• Many of the great players in the top leagues in Europe are from Africa.
• The World Cup was traditionally hosted in Europe and South America. Now North America and Asia have hosted the event as well. Quite simply: It is Africa’s turn.
• South Africa seemed to be best able to organize the event and build the necessary infrastructure.

On the other hand:

• Hosting a World Cup is very expensive. The FIFA demands new stadiums to be built and existing ones to be upgraded. Additional infrastructure requirements add to the cost. The cost estimate for the 2010 World Cup went up by 400% from its original estimate and is not at $1.2 billion (12 billion Rand). That is a lot of schools or hospitals not being built.
• Corruption – A huge amount of money is changing hands.  Ticket sales and big construction projects are just two areas prone to abuse. This adds to the suspicions of the general public towards the event.
• Priorities – South Africa has plenty of problems with violence, drugs and is fighting an HIV/AIDS pandemic.

South Africa will host the event in very difficult financial times. Traveling to South Africa is expensive for Europeans or South Americans. With our current financial downturn, a lot of fans will be forced to stay home. Apparently the forecast for the number of tourists has been lowered to 450,000 from 900,000 originally.

This is a make it or break it event for South Africa. They have a unique chance to show the world what they are all about – regardless of their struggles. This is NOT a political event. FIFA runs the show. This is about enjoying the greatest sports event of the world. No politician has ever managed to stand in the way of that.

Apparently the FIFA is giving free tickets away to low income locals. Soccer has always been a sport carried by the crowds in the stands, not only the few in some VIP lounges. Keeping that in mind will secure the success of the event.

I am originally from Germany – one of the big soccer countries of the world. I have a message for the people of South Africa. There was plenty of doubt before the 2006 World Cup in Germany:

• Ticket sales were troubled.
• People were concerned with hooliganism.
• Retailers were locked out from benefiting due to FIFA arrangements with its sponsors.
• A ton of money was spent on stadium upgrades and new construction.

But once the first game started all, the trouble was forgotten. The host country had an amazing party. Supporters of various teams came together and created an amazing atmosphere. I wish for the same to happen again in 2010.

Related articles

• Economic downturn to affect World Cup fans? (soccernet.espn.go.com)
• 10 Reasons to Be Optimistic About World Cup 2010 in South Africa
• Is South Africa going to be ready for the World Cup?
• 500 days to World Cup finals

Posted under 2010 World Cup