The History of Problems in World Cup Host Countries

Much has been made about the potential problems facing South Africa as it prepares to host the World Cup. But it's not the first host nation to encounter some stumbles. This post from SoccerLens provides a nice historical summary of some of the major problems host countries have faced -- from natural disasters to transit strikes to brutal totalitarian regimes.

A World Cup is undoubtedly the most anticipated and celebrated event on the football calendar. Every four years we are treated to a feast of football that comprises of the picturesque stadiums, the fanatical fans and the scintillating action unfolding on the pitch. Although with politics and sport often inextricably linked, there has rarely been a World Cup pass by without some form of controversy.

So with South Africa 2010 only just around the corner should we really be panicking about the potential problems that have been bandied around the media? It’s certainly difficult to tell at this stage but one thing for sure is that South Africa isn’t the first and clearly won’t be the last nation to be affected by the hullabaloo of hosting the football World Cup.

Source:
A World Coup? Host Nations and World Cup Catastrophes
SoccerLens
March 27, 2009