Today marks exactly five years since SA’s hosting of the 2010 SWC
FIFA scandals overshadow South Africa's five year anniversary since hosting the World Cup.
Eliot Mahlase
Today (11 June) marks five years since the 2010 Soccer World Cup (SWC) kick-off in South Africa but the latest Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) scandals have overshadowed the legacy of the SWC.
Five years ago, on this day South Africans celebrated the opening ceremony of the tournament and the world watched the first match of the tournament between South Africa and Mexico. The day was not only for South Africans to celebrate but also for Africans, as the continent hosted the prestigious tournament for the first time.
Who could have known five years later the country would be singing a different tune. Since May, allegations have been rife that South African officials bought the rights to host the SWC. Last week few weeks ago FIFA president Sepp Blatter resigned against the backdrop of FIFA members being arrested.
On 27 May 27 US attorney general Loretta Lynch alleged that the FIFA governing body took bribes from South African officials for South Africa to host the 2010 SWC. South African Sport and Recreation minister Fikile Mbalula however, said no bribes were paid to anyone for the world cup to be hosted. He also said the FIFA allegations will be answered in Parliament at the end of the month.
According to Sunday Independent, South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan said a sum of $10m was paid but not for bribery. He also said the $10m was paid to the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) in 2008 as South Africa’s contribution towards their football development.
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