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The World Cup takes place every 4 years in a different country. How was it decided that South Africa should host the 2010 World Cup and when?
For the first time in the 80 years of World Cup history, Africa was chosen as the host for the 2010 World Cup as part of a policy to rotate the event among football confederations (this policy was abandoned in October 2007). Six African nations placed bids to host the 2010 World Cup, these being: Egypt
Libya / Tunisia (co-hosting)
Morocco
South Africa
Nigeria Libya / Tunisia had to withdrew their bid when FIFA made the decision not to allow co-hosted tournaments. South Africa was a firm favourite straight away given their previous experience hosting the Rugby World Cup in 1995 and after just one round of voting, the winning bid was announced by FIFA president Sepp Blatter at a media conference on 15 May 2004 in Zürich. South Africa was awarded the rights to host the tournament, defeating Morocco and Egypt. Voting Results
Country Votes
South Africa 14
Morocco 10
Egypt 0 In readiness for the World Cup, South Africa have built five new stadiums and upgraded five existing venues to comply with the FIFA requirements (at an estimated cost of 8.4 billion Rand). In addition, South Africa has improved its current public transport infrastructure within the various cities where the matches are to take place with projects such as the Gautrain and the new Bus Rapid Transit system In order to secure the safety of the local and international tourists attending the matches, the country has implemented special measures including a temporary restriction of flight operation in the airspace surrounding the stadiums. The readiness of this African nation to host one of the biggest events in sports has received positive response from FIFA and pundits alike. Related Articles:
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