Behind The South African World Cup

For many, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was just another iteration of a long standing global tradition. Shiney new stadiums lied ready and waiting for clamoring fans from virtually all around the world. The best international teams from 32 different countries were to meet and compete for the title of world champion. Stadiums filled with cheering fans, tourists stayed in nearby housing, and all in all it wasn't much too different from most other world cups on the surface. However, the stadiums, cheering, and music hid away the darker truth.

Like all other countries hosting an international tournament, South Africa wanted to shine and leave its mark in the memories of onlookers and tourists. However, the lengths the South African government took to achieve these goals were less than ethical. First off, its no secret that South Africa isn't exactly the most well off nation in the world. Former hosts like the US, France, or England have much more funds to throw around to build new stadiums, improve airports, and other necessary services but South Africa received concerns over the massive amount of public funds being funneled into the new constructions. 

On top of these obvious concerns were many that were swept under the rug by FIFA and the South African government. In an attempt to beautify the cities and impress visiting tourists upwards of 20,000 South Africans were relocated and evicted to settlements on the outskirts of towns in order to remove homeless and slums and make room for rental housing for visiting tourists. South Africa, a former colony, is still drastically affected by its old rule.  

Local vendors were also booted out of profiting from the event in their own country by regulations banning the sale of merchandise 1.5km from a stadium. Only those able to afford an expensive permit from FIFA were able to sell. however the average vendor is no where near capable of affording one. 

At the end of the day, there shouldn't be anything wrong with organizing an international game. However, with these realizations coming from impoverished nations we have to wonder. How much do we want to support these events? How can we encourage change in a country still heavy affected by the echos of its colonial past.