Redirecting World Cup Profits to Help Underprivileged Hosts

This column from the Huffington Post looks at the continued poverty issues facing South Africa, and offers some ideas about how FIFA can redirect some of its efforts -- and revenues -- to help counteract social ills during the next World Cup in similarly developing and poverty-stricken Brazil.

with international sporting events trending towards the developing world, both host countries and governing bodies need rethink the bidding system. Currently, it awards games to those building the most luxurious stadiums. Instead, investment needs to go to public transport systems that benefit local populations and infrastructure projects with long-term benefit.

The 2014 World Cup in cities across Brazil with the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro could start this trend. Like South Africa, Brazil is a large and growing economy. But its cities are also ringed by sprawling slums, high crime rates and poverty.

Willing the Rich to Share in the World Cup Profits
The Huffington Post
July 16, 2010