South African Businesses Missing Out on Possibilities of World Cup Stadia

As venues sit empty and unused, South Africa's World Cup organizer is calling out the business community for missing out on opportunities to use the country's World Cup stadia.

He cited Soccer City's failure to capitalise on the Spanish tourists who flock to the site where Andres Iniesta's solitary strike secured Spain's maiden World Cup triumph.

"What do we offer the many tourists who come to the venue where Spanish soccer recorded its finest hour?" asked Jordaan.

"They come to see the stadium where their team conquered the globe and we offer them nothing. All they can do is just sit on the stands, pose for a picture and that's it.

World Cup stadiums are cash cows
Times
November 27, 2010

Obama Stumps for a U.S. World Cup

U.S. President Barack Obama is pushing for his country to play host to an upcoming World Cup. The U.S. is bidding for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

While baseball and American football take a front seat, the president said, soccer is a "late entry" to U.S. sports fandom and would only be boosted by a World Cup here.

Obama: U.S. 'very serious' about hosting future World Cup
The Hill
July 14, 2010

World Cup Pressure Moves to Brazil

As the next host of the World Cup in 2014, Brazil is already under pressure to present the tournament.

The challenges faced by Brazil are similar to the ones South Africa had to overcome before this year's World Cup — high crime rates, a huge disparity between rich and poor, long distances between cities, and a need for extensive new infrastructure.

FIFA criticized South African organizers for the country's lack of preparation ahead of the 2010 World Cup, but the nation came through and was ready in time. FIFA president Sepp Blatter eventually awarded South Africa a score of nine (out of 10) for its hosting of Africa's first World Cup.

Now it's Brazil's turn to get ready for the WCup
Associated Press
July 14, 2010